NCJ Number
64215
Date Published
1979
Length
59 pages
Annotation
DECISIONS AND AWARDS OF THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD OF ONTARIO FROM APRIL 1, 1978, THROUGH MARCH 31, 1979, ARE PRESENTED.
Abstract
THE LEGISLATION UNDER WHICH THE BOARD FUNCTIONS IS THE COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT 1971. THE BOARD IS REQUIRED TO FIND ADEQUATE EVIDENCE OF COMMISSION OF A CRIME AND TO CONSIDER ALL RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES IN MAKING THE AWARD. BOARD MEMBERS SIT IN PANELS OF TWO AND HOLD HEARINGS THROUGHOUT CANADA TO FACILITATE APPLICATIONS. DURING THE REPORT PERIOD, THE BOARD HEARD 713 APPLICATIONS, COMPARED WITH 570 IN THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR; THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS A 25 PERCENT INCREASE. TOTAL AWARDS GRANTED INCREASED BY 8 PERCENT FROM $1,611,836 TO $1,748,484. THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF AWARD DECLINED 15 PERCENT, FROM $2,328 TO $1,960. THIS DECLINE IS PROBABLY DUE TO AN INCREASED PROPORTION OF MINOR CLAIMS, ARISING FROM A WIDER AWARENESS OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROGRAM. POSTERS AND EXPLANATORY BROCHURES DESCRIBING THE PROGRAM WHICH ARE DISPLAYED IN HOSPITAL EMERGENCY WARDS AND STAFF LOUNGES HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO PUBLIC AWARENESS. AWARDS MADE UNDER THE ACT ARE COST SHARED BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO. FOR FISCAL 1977 THROUGH 1978, THIS SHARED AMOUNT TOTALED $811,928.57. VICTIMS RECEIVING COMPENSATION THIS FISCAL YEAR ARE LISTED IN CASE DECISION SUMMARIES, ALONG WITH FINDINGS WHERE THE PUBLICATION OF EVIDENCE WAS PROHIBITED AND A SUMMARY OF DISALLOWED APPLICATIONS. (LWM)