April 7, 2014 Organization

Montréal - The Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF") and the Montérégie, Côte-Nord and Outaouais Crime Victims Assistance Centres ("CAVAC") signed an agreement today in an effort to break the isolation of victims of financial crime from these regions and help them regain control over their lives.

These agreements follow an initial agreement entered into in April 2013 with the Montréal CAVAC. They set up a protocol to enhance the support offered to victims of financial crime by allowing AMF staff to refer them directly to CAVAC in the regions in question. "Abuse of trust is at the heart of many financial scams in which AMF staff is asked to intervene, in particular staff assigned to investigations, litigation, compensation, client services and complaints. This abuse leaves scars which can lead to feelings of shame, sorrow, guilt, distress and anger," said Louis Morisset, AMF President and Chief Executive Officer. He added that "through a closer relationship with the Montérégie, Côte-Nord and Outaouais CAVAC Centres, which are recognized organizations with specialized caseworkers, victims of financial crime from these regions will have better access to services and support adapted to their needs."

"Our specialized caseworkers are trained to offer front-line psycho-socio-legal services to victims of financial crime. These agreements will allow us to reach and assist sometimes vulnerable clients who may be reluctant to ask for help despite the impacts of victimization," said Catherine Cartier, head of the Montérégie CAVAC.

"Our collaboration will facilitate access to resources based on the needs of victims referred to us by AMF staff and persons close to victims," noted Isabelle Fortin, head of the Côte-Nord CAVAC. "Our no-charge and confidential services are available to victims who seek support, whether or not the perpetrator is identified, apprehended, prosecuted or convicted. Our services are based on victims' needs and provided at the pace that's best for them," concluded Kathleen Dufour, head of the Outaouais CAVAC.

The agreement was entered into on the sidelines of the 9th Annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week. The theme of Victims Week this year is "Taking Action This link will open in a new window." The goal is to raise awareness about issues facing victims of crime and the services, programs and laws in place to help victims and their families.

Through their rapid response, CAVAC centres meet the particular needs of persons of all ages who are crime victims or witnesses, as well as their families, regardless of whether the perpetrator of the crime has been identified, arrested, prosecuted or convicted.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (the AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.

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Information:

Media only:

Autorité des marchés financiers
Sylvain Théberge: 514-940-2176
www.lautorite.qc.ca
Twitter: @lautorite This link will open in a new window

Montérégie CAVAC
Catherine Cartier: 450-670-3400
www.cavac.qc.ca/regions/monteregie/accueil.html This link will open in a new window

Côte-Nord CAVAC
Isabelle Fortin: 418-768-5341
www.cavac.qc.ca/regions/cote/accueil.html This link will open in a new window

Outaouais CAVAC
Kathleen Dufour: 613-301-7966
www.cavac.qc.ca/regions/outaouais/accueil.html This link will open in a new window