What is the deadline to submit nominations?

The deadline is July 16, 2008.

Why did the McGuinty government establish this awards program?

The Ontario government established the Victim Services Awards of Distinction to recognize the high quality and innovative services that individuals and organizations provide to victims of crime on a daily basis throughout the province.

We also want to recognize victims who have courageously forged a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

Who will the awards program recognize?

The awards will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to their fields of service to victims, as well as victims and others who have been impacted by crime.

Is there a monetary value to these awards?

There is no monetary value to the awards.

How will recipients be selected?

The completed nomination forms will be reviewed by a selection panel consisting of one or more members of the community, the Office for Victims of Crime and staff from the Ministry of the Attorney General.  The panel will then submit the most compelling nominations to the Attorney General.  He will then make the final award decisions. 

What are the nomination categories?

The awards will recognize excellence and outstanding achievement in any of the following:

• Victims and other individuals personally impacted by crime who have raised the profile of victims’ issues in the province 
• Service providers who deliver outstanding support to victims of crime
• Field practitioners who develop and implement innovative victim service programs and projects
• Volunteers who offer their time and personal resources to help victims
• Youth who dedicate their time and effort to support victims in their communities.

The two awards designated for service providers seem very similar. What's the difference between them?

The award for outstanding service will be presented to recipients with a proven track record of delivering high quality services to crime victims.

The innovative service award will highlight situations where a person or group has developed a unique or novel approach to achieve tangible improvements in services to the victims who are their clients, to better meet their needs.

What is the definition of youth for the purposes of the award?

Anyone under the age of 18 at the time the application is submitted is considered a youth.

How will this program help to improve services to victims?

Our government is committed to increasing the effectiveness of victim services across the province.  One step in achieving this goal is to help ensure that local agencies know about, and learn from, the successes of exemplary individuals and organizations.  The Awards of Distinction will help to raise the profile of these initiatives and help to achieve this goal.

How will the privacy of nominees be protected?

 The ministry will only receive nominations under this program where the nominee has consented in writing to have his/her name put forward for consideration.  The form advises nominees that their names may be publicly released for the purposes of receiving a program award.

Can individuals nominate themselves?

 Self-nominations will not be accepted. All residents of Ontario may be nominated for awards as individuals or as part of larger groups.  Any person or organization in Ontario may submit a nomination. 

Can I fax or e-mail the form for consideration of the selection panel?

Due to the need for signatures, only the original signed copies of the nomination form, nominee consent form and supporting documents will be accepted.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept nominations by fax or e-mail.