The Quebec government is investing $5 million collected from fines handed out during the novel coronavirus pandemic to help victims of crime.
Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette announced the initiative on Monday, saying the money will be given to organizations that provide direct services to victims.
“The pandemic context has exacerbated certain pre-existing situations among people who are victims of crime,” he said in a statement.
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The funding is specifically slated for organizations to modernize their services, facilities and intervention tools to offer better support to their clients.
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In Quebec, the fines for violating public health guidelines such as physical distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, can go as high as $6,000.
The fines were first introduced in April, when Premier François Legault called on police forces and municipalities to crack down on people flouting the rules.
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