The Harper government has imposed a mandatory victim surcharge of $100 on every summary conviction, $200 on every indictable conviction or 30% of every fine imposed. It must be imposed unless a Judge finds it unconstitutional. This is supposed to be held in a separate fund to somehow benefit victims of crime, but we know it isn’t. It can be a real hardship on the indigent, homeless, mentally ill and the most vulnerable of our society. This is why we criminal defence lawyers oppose it, so our voices will join with others who care about treating all people fairly and humanely. Here are 2 cases of opposing view that explain the issues and illustrate the present battle.
http://www.canlii.org/en/on/oncj/doc/2014/2014oncj360/2014oncj360.html
http://www.canlii.org/en/on/oncj/doc/2014/2014oncj361/2014oncj361.html