MHPS Sgt. Jeff Wieschorster and Cst. Jason Dola walk along First Street SE in this June 2018 file photo. The local victim assistance manager doesn't anticipate any issues with services in Medicine Hat following a UCP plan to expand the mandate of the Victims of Crime Fund.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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The provincial government’s plan to expand the mandate of the Victims of Crime Fund to include public safety initiatives shouldn’t prevent victims from receiving the services and support they need, says Medicine Hat Police Service Victim Assistance Unit program manager Laura Deschamps.
While critics have raised concerns over the bill’s proposed plan to shift resources from the Victims of Crime Fund’s $74-million surplus to support public safety initiatives, Deschamps says she doesn’t anticipate it will impact the way victim services are handled in the province.
“It is my understanding that these changes will not result in taking money away from those impacted,” Deschamps said of Bill 16, the Victims of Crime (Strengthening Public Safety) Amendment Act. “Right now, I don’t appear to have any indication that there will be any changes (in Medicine Hat).”
The Victims of Crime Fund is financed by mandatory fine surcharges – which increased from 15 to 20 per cent in April – imposed on those convicted of an offence under provincial laws, unless otherwise excluded in bylaws or regulations, which resulted in the $74-million surplus.
If passed, Bill 16 would expand the scope of that fund to include public safety initiatives aimed at deterring crime, such as Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams, the Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence Force, drug treatment courts and the hiring of more Crown prosecutors.
“The whole idea is to go out and stop victimization in the first place,” said Medicine Hat Police Service chief Andy McGrogan. “If we’re actually going to use the money to prevent victimization in the first place, then that’s step one. But then we need a robust system for victims when they are victimized.”
While the bill would eliminate injury and witness-to-homicide benefits – as well as the Criminal Injuries Review Board – it would also establish an interim victim assistance program to provide new areas of support while a new model is developed. The interim program would provide aid for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from violent crime, as well as access to counselling and court support.
“I think the two-headed approach makes sense to me,” said McGrogan. “Let’s get out there and try to prevent victimization, No. 1, and then let’s have a robust system in place when people are victimized to assist them through the processes.”
The new victim assistance model would be developed for a 2021 launch, using input from Albertans and stakeholders.
