Victim assistance fund untapped

Eight community groups have received $33,000 to help victims of crime, but $167,000 remains unused in the Victim’s Assistance Fund.

The money is available to community groups who plan programs that benefit crime victims, such as crisis response, counselling, and personal support, or broader activities such as training for community members who work with victims of crime or public awareness campaigns on the rights of victims.

Premier Paul Okalik, who is also the justice minister, encouraged more groups to apply for what remains of the $200,000 fund, and said he will put out a new call for proposals in the fall.

The Department of Justice initially created the fund, which will be replenished by a surcharge added to fines.