Bill C-236
In committee · Commons
Addressing the Continuing Victimization of Homicide Victims' Families Act
This bill would allow judges and parole boards to impose harsher penalties on convicted killers who refuse to reveal where they hid their victim's remains.
Sponsor · Dane Lloyd
What it means for you
Families of murder victims would have a stronger legal tool to pressure killers into disclosing where their loved ones' remains are, helping them achieve closure and give their loved ones a proper burial.
The debate · 6 points
Supporters say
- Withholding the location of a victim's remains causes ongoing harm to families, so judges and parole boards should be able to consider that refusal when making sentencing and release decisions.
- The bill gives judges and parole boards discretion rather than requiring a set outcome. A court must first find beyond a reasonable doubt that the offender knows where the remains are and refuses to share that information.
- The bill reflects the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and similar laws in Australia and the United Kingdom. Families would gain some recognition of their right to closure and a proper funeral.
Critics say
- Corrections and parole officials say they already consider all relevant information, including whether an offender has withheld remains, so the bill may add little in practice.
- The bill cannot force an offender to speak or guarantee that remains will be found, so its effect on recovery of remains is uncertain.
- Some committee members questioned whether the approach raises legal or constitutional concerns, and whether it is the most effective way to address the problem.
Where do you stand on this bill?
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