Restitution is a court order requiring an offender to compensate victims for financial losses resulting from a crime. Unlike fines paid to government, restitution goes directly to victims to cover quantifiable losses like stolen property value, repair costs, medical expenses, or lost wages. Canadian courts can order restitution as part of criminal sentencing. Victims must typically document their losses. Restitution orders are separate from civil lawsuits—victims can pursue both. Collecting restitution can be challenging if offenders lack resources. Restitution is considered part of offender accountability and victim justice, though it cannot fully address non-financial harms like trauma and suffering.