HALIFAX-
The federal government is investing more than $6.2 million over five years to support provincial programs in Nova Scotia that assist victims of crime.
Federal Justice Minister David Lametti says the funding is particularly important for Indigenous victims and for survivors of sexual assault who face added barriers in receiving access to justice.
More than $3.5 million will fund a program that helps Indigenous Peoples access the legal system, and the money will also go toward hiring an Indigenous victims case coordinator.
That portion of the funding will also be used to help track unpaid restitution orders and to help train staff who administer programs for victims of crime.
The remaining $2.68 million will fund an initiative that helps victims of sexual assault access legal representation.
That program also helps to ensure the privacy interests of complainants are raised when their sexual history is sought as evidence during trial.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2022.