HIS MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

1 Section 1 of the Victims of Crime Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 478 is amended by adding the following definition:

"publication ban" means an order restricting the publication of any identifying information made under section 486.4 of the Criminal Code (Canada).

2 Section 5 is amended by adding the following paragraph:

(b.1) any applicable publication ban, including

(i) the requirements of a publication ban, and

(ii) how to vary or revoke a publication ban under section 486.51 of the Criminal Code (Canada);

3 Section 6 (1) is amended by adding the following paragraph:

(d.1) the requirements of any applicable publication ban and how to vary or revoke a publication ban under section 486.51 of the Criminal Code (Canada);

4 Section 8 is amended by adding the following paragraph:

(d.1) to ensure victims can choose if they require a publication ban to protect their identity, when applicable;

Commencement

5 This Act comes into force on the date of Royal Assent.

Explanatory Notes

CLAUSE 1: [Victims of Crime Act, section 1] adds a definition of "publication ban".

CLAUSE 2: [Victims of Crime Act, section 5] requires justice system personnel to offer a victim general information concerning any applicable publication ban.

CLAUSE 3: [Victims of Crime Act, section 6] adds a requirement respecting information that must be given on request.

CLAUSE 4: [Victims of Crime Act, section 8] adds a goal that must be promoted by the government.