Doug Ford Government Scrapping Law That Compensates Crime Victims

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Priyadarshinee N
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The Doug Ford government is scrapping an Ontario law that provides financial help to the victims of violent crime.

Legislation to repeal the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act is contained in the 194-page bill tabled as part of Finance Minister Vic Fedeli's budget on Thursday.

The existing act allows for lump-sum payments of up to $25,000 or monthly payments of up to $1,000 to the families of those killed during a crime and to people who are injured in a criminal act, including sexual or domestic assault.

The Ford government's budget bill would also dissolve Ontario's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, the tribunal that has awarded financial assistance to crime victims since 1971. The money is given to cover such items as funeral costs, physical therapy and loss of income.

A spokesperson for Attorney General Caroline Mulroney said the move is being made because crime victims are waiting too long for compensation from the board.

"Instead of having to appear before an adjudicator to decide how much compensation should be paid, a claimant would submit his or her paperwork and receipts to the Ministry or another administrative body who would issue its payment quicker," said Mulroney's press secretary Jesse Robichaud.

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