Bill 50, the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Amendment Act, will amend and extend the scope of the Victims Restitution and Compensation Act. The legislation established the process through which property and profits gained from unlawful acts are seized through the civil courts and returned to the victims or used for programs that benefit victims of crime. Previously, courts were unable to seize the tools of crime or any property related to drug offences.

The proposed amendments will extend the reach of the original Act to include the ability to seize property that has been used to commit any type of crime. With these amendments, proceeds or property from any criminal activity can be seized and sold. The proceeds from the forfeited instruments of illegal activity will be used to repair losses and injuries suffered by its victims.

“The ability to seize instruments that have been used to commit crime is one piece of the Safe Communities Initiative, which is allowing us to come at crime from all directions,” said Redford. “This legislation is an important part of a comprehensive plan to help make Alberta communities safe, strong and secure.”

Cases under the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act will be prosecuted by the Civil Forfeiture Office, which was established on October 1, as part of the Safe Communities Initiative.