The court dismissed an application by three individuals (two environmentalists and a former Volkswagen vehicle owner) seeking to participate as parties in the criminal prosecution of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft for violations of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
The applicants sought to present victim impact statements and make submissions regarding restitution, fines, and sentencing.
The court held that the applicants lacked standing to participate as parties, as the Public Prosecution Service of Canada has carriage of the prosecution and speaks on behalf of the public.
The court noted that while victim impact statements are permitted under the Criminal Code, there is no statutory foundation for victims to become quasi-parties to criminal proceedings.
