5th Session, 42nd Parliament

(2024) FIRST READING

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

MS. KARIN KIRKPATRICK

BILL M 228 – 2024

VICTIMS OF CRIME (PUBLICATION BAN CHOICE

AND AWARENESS) AMENDMENT ACT, 2024

HIS MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

CLAUSE 1: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 1] adds a definition of "publication ban".

Section 1 of the Victims of Crime Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 478 is amended by adding the following definition:

"publication ban" means an order restricting the publication of any identifying information made under

section 486.4 of the Criminal Code (Canada).

CLAUSE 2: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 5] requires justice system personnel to offer a victim general information concerning any applicable publication ban.

Section 5 is amended by adding the following paragraph:

(b.1) any applicable publication ban, including

(

i) the requirements of a publication ban, and

(ii) how to vary or revoke a publication ban under

section 486.51 of the Criminal Code (Canada);

CLAUSE 3: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 6] adds a requirement respecting information that must be given on request.

Section 6 (1) is amended by adding the following paragraph:

(d.1) the requirements of any applicable publication ban and how to vary or revoke a publication ban under

section 486.51 of the Criminal Code (Canada);

CLAUSE 4: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 8] adds a goal that must be promoted by the government.

Section 8 is amended by adding the following paragraph:

(d.1) to ensure victims can choose if they require a publication ban to protect their identity, when applicable;

Commencement

5 This Act comes into force on the date of Royal Assent.

Explanatory Notes

CLAUSE 1: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 1] adds a definition of "publication ban".

CLAUSE 2: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 5] requires justice system personnel to offer a victim general information concerning any applicable publication ban.

CLAUSE 3: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 6] adds a requirement respecting information that must be given on request.

CLAUSE 4: [Victims of Crime Act,

section 8] adds a goal that must be promoted by the government.

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