“We know that the previous financial benefits program was not fast enough and simply did not provide enough immediate support to those dealing with trauma and that was not acceptable.”
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Victims of crime in Alberta will soon have a number of new supports they can access, as the province announced several funds and a change in the way the funds are administered.
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Attorney General Tyler Shandro announced Tuesday that a limited victim assistance program will first be introduced before expanding over the next year. Once fully implemented, the program will provide victims with immediate access to financial assistance and emergency counseling. They will also be able to transition into long-term counseling and apply for funeral expenses, medical health benefits, court attendance expenses, and injury benefits.
The term to apply for services will also be extended from 45 days to two years.
“We know that the previous financial benefits program was not fast enough and just didn’t provide enough immediate support to those dealing with trauma and that was not acceptable,” Shandro said. “We are establishing an enhanced set of services and support for victims of crime. This will address the gaps in the current system and ensure victims have immediate access to the help they need.”
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The new range of support comes after the province passed the Crime Victims (Strengthening Public Safety) Amendment Act in 2020. Following the bill’s introduction, MLAs Angela Pitt and Nathan Neudorf led a group of work to consult with industry advocates.
Shandro said that his government has accepted all the recommendations that came out of that working group.
Victims will have access to up to $5,000 for out-of-pocket safety and security expenses and up to $600 for emergency housing, with victims of human trafficking eligible for up to $1,000 for housing and $5,000 for relocation expenses. Those seeking to flee domestic violence situations can receive up to $1,000. Victims can also apply for a lump sum of up to $100,000 for serious injury support plus additional payments.
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Funds for counseling and funeral costs are also available and victims of sexual assault will have a “third option” to store evidence for up to a year.
The program is funded through the Alberta Crime Victims Fund, where the money is matched with fines and court surcharges collected by the province. Previously, the government had said some of that money would be used to fund programs that would deter crime in the first place. On Tuesday, the government announced that it had changed course and that the fund would continue to go only to victims of crime.
“We recognize that it is critical to ensure that there are funds dedicated solely to the needs of crime victims,” said Shandro.
The government also announced Tuesday that victim services programs would transition to a four-zone model. The funding will go from being distributed to 62 government boards to four: east, west, north and south.
Shandro said that employees working in the sector will have the opportunity to apply for a new job under the new organizational structure.
Melody Littell, regional program manager for Northeast Corridor Victim Services, said they have been working on a pilot project that provided services regionally. She said that approach has allowed staff to address specific needs in the area.
“This model has given us the ability to change as needed, as we expand our region and discover new challenges,” said Littel.