Glossary

Individuals present in the hearing room to observe a parole hearing. Observers can be:

• members of the public (over 18 years of age);
• victims and their families and supporters;
• offender's family members and supporters;
• media representatives

Actions listed in the Criminal Code as being against the law.

An inmate, or;

A person who, having been sentenced, committed or transferred to penitentiary, is outside penitentiary

• by reason of parole or statutory release,
• pursuant to an agreement referred to in subsection 81(1) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), or
• pursuant to a court order.

An individual who attends a Parole Board hearing with the offender to provide advice and support. The law states that offenders have the right to an assistant of their choice at their hearing.

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is an arm's length federal government office that works to ensure that the federal government meets its responsibilities regarding victims of crime. Reporting directly to the Minister of Justice, the OFOVC helps victims of crime and their families by:

• informing victims about the federal programs and services that exist to help them;
• addressing complaints made by victims about federal government departments, agencies, employees, laws or policies;
• referring victims to programs and services in their city or province that may be able to assist them;
• identifying issues that have a negative impact on victims; and,
• making recommendations to the federal government on how to effect positive change for victims of crime.

For more information, contact the OFOVC by calling, toll-free, 1-866-481-8429 or visit the website.