The Compensation for Victims of the Crime Act
The Compensation for Victims of Crime Act establishes the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (“CICB”) and provides for compensation for victims of certain specified types of crimes including sexual offences. Compensation under the Act can be awarded for expenses incurred, financial losses (including income loss) and pain and suffering. The Act sets up a scheme for making an application to the CICB. There does not have to be a criminal conviction against the perpetrator to get compensation from the CICB. The Board can make a lump sum award of up to $25,000.00. The Board can also make awards for periodic payments. Currently under the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act there is a limitation period (time limit) for applying. An application for compensation must be made within two (2) years after the date of the injury but the Board may extend the time. In my experience, the CICB is fairly generous in granting extensions (even very long ones), if there is an explanation for the delay.
Bill 132 amended the time limit to provide that there is no limitation period with respect to CICB applications relating to crimes of sexual violence or violence that occurs within a relationship of intimacy or dependency. This change is retroactive and applies to applications commenced before Bill 132 is law unless the case is over and has been finally disposed of by the Board.