Understanding the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR) complaint process is essential for any victim who believes their rights were infringed or denied during their interaction with the Canadian criminal justice system. This guide explains eligibility, steps, timelines, remedies, and how to file a complaint under the CVBR.
Quick Answer
Victims of crime in Canada can file a CVBR complaint if they believe their rights—such as the right to information or participation—were not respected by a federal department. The process involves submitting a complaint form, undergoing a review, receiving a decision, and, if needed, requesting an additional review by the Deputy Minister.
Table of Contents
What Is the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR)?
The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights gives victims of crime specific rights during the criminal justice process. It defines a victim as any individual who suffers physical harm, emotional harm, economic loss, or property damage because of a crime committed in Canada.
Victims can exercise these rights while in Canada, and Canadian citizens or permanent residents may also exercise them from abroad as long as the crime happened in Canada.
These rights include:
- Right to information
- Right to protection
- Right to participation
- Right to restitution
Who Can File a CVBR Complaint?
A person may file a complaint if they believe a federal agency or department failed to respect their rights under the CVBR. This includes issues related to information access, participation in hearings, or processes handled by federal authorities.
However, the CVBR applies only when the incident is connected to the Canadian criminal justice system, including investigations, prosecutions, court proceedings, and corrections or parole processes.
What the Department of Justice Accepts as CVBR Complaints
The Department of Justice Canada handles CVBR complaints related to:
Under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR), the Department of Justice Canada is responsible for reviewing complaints that relate specifically to two major areas: the Right to Information and the Right to Participation. These rights ensure that victims are not left in the dark about the criminal justice process and that they
1. Right to Information
If a victim was denied general information about how the criminal justice system works or if a federal office failed to provide requested details.
2. Right to Participation
If a victim faced issues accessing the Parole Board Fund to attend parole hearings.
Complaints that fall outside these two areas may be redirected to the relevant federal department, provided the complainant consents.
What Is Not Accepted as a CVBR Complaint
Certain submissions cannot be treated as formal CVBR complaints, such as:
- Unsigned documents
- Access to information/privacy requests
- Concerns about legislation, court decisions, or policing
- Internal employee grievances
- Vexatious or abusive submissions
- Complaints filed by individuals who do not meet the CVBR definition of a victim
- Complaints filed more than 90 days after the event
- Crimes committed outside Canada without any link to the Canadian justice system
- Issues related to Canadians Victimized Abroad Program (unless charges were laid in Canada)
Victims must submit the complaint within 90 days of the event.
How to File a CVBR Complaint: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Complete the CVBR Complaint Form
The complaint form must include:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Start and end dates of the incident
- Explanation of how you meet the CVBR definition of victim
- Details of the alleged infringement
- Signature and date
You may submit the form by mail or email, but not in person due to security restrictions.
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Step 2: Determination of Eligibility
After submitting the form, officials assess whether your complaint meets the criteria to be considered under the CVBR. You will receive a written response within three business days informing you of the decision.
If your complaint qualifies, it proceeds to a formal review.
Step 3: The Formal Complaint Review Process
Once accepted, the process includes:
- The complaint is shared with the Director General (DG) responsible for the relevant department section.
- The DG investigates and determines whether your rights were infringed.
- If a breach occurred, the DG recommends an appropriate remedy.
- The findings are shared with the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister (SADM), Policy Sector.
- The SADM reviews the case and sends you a written response.
The goal is to provide a response within 20 business days, unless an extension is required due to complexity or need for additional information.
Step 4: Requesting an Additional Review
If you are not satisfied with the SADM’s decision, you may request a review by the Deputy Minister of Justice within 30 business days.
The Deputy Minister will review the case and respond within 20 business days, unless an extension is required.
If you remain unsatisfied, you may contact the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, which may offer recommendations or support.
Possible Remedies for CVBR Complaints
When a breach of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR) is identified, the Department of Justice Canada may implement several remedies aimed at restoring fairness, improving communication, and preventing similar issues in the future. One of the most common forms of remedy is a formal apology, which may come from the department or federal body responsible for the breach. This apology acknowledges the oversight, validates the victim’s experience, and reinforces the government’s commitment to respecting victims’ rights throughout the justice process.
Another important remedy involves the correction of public documents or records when inaccurate, incomplete, or unclear information contributed to the violation of a victim’s rights. By updating or clarifying such documents, the department ensures that future victims, families, and the public have access to accurate information about procedures, rights, and available services. This step helps prevent confusion and strengthens institutional transparency.
Privacy and Confidentiality
All personal information submitted during the complaint process is protected under federal privacy laws. The information is used only for investigating and responding to the complaint.
The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights complaint process ensures victims receive fair treatment, accurate information, and meaningful participation in the justice system. By following the steps above and submitting a complete complaint form, victims can formally address any concerns about how their rights were respected during interactions with federal government agencies.
Who qualifies as a victim under the CVBR?
Anyone who suffers physical, emotional, economic, or property damage due to a crime committed in Canada.
Can I file a complaint if I am outside Canada?
Yes—if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and the crime occurred in Canada.
How long do I have to file a CVBR complaint?
Complaints must be filed within 90 days of the event.
Can I complain about police or court decisions?
No. These fall outside the Department of Justice CVBR complaints policy
