Thank you very much.
Good day, Minister, Ms. Kane and Ms. Klineberg.
I'd like to broach a different subject. Unfortunately, there are still people being accused of major fraud. Quite often, victims of these fraudsters suffer from an economic standpoint. The saddest cases are those of individuals who lose their life savings, or their pension fund.
Persons charged currently are eligible to receive a suspended sentence. This Criminal Code provision still applies. Of course, our Conservative government did try to rectify the problem in the past. I was around at the time. We were never able to strengthen these particular provisions of the act because of extremely strong opposition. The opposition was unwilling to cooperate with us. We encountered many problems. I think everyone remembers Bill C-9. It was completely gutted.
Minister, people are concerned. I've had an opportunity to meet with victims on two or three occasions. I believe you were there as well. You will recall that we met Mr. Davis, whose family had had dealings with Earl Jones, as well as with Mr. Gravel, who was representing certain parties in the matter involving Norbourg and Vincent Lacroix.
The Prime Minister also met with these individuals. I met with them, along with you and the Prime Minister. The problem in fact originated in Quebec. The situation was very intense. We are now aware of other cases in Alberta, but at the time, the problem was confined to Quebec. Many meetings were held.
Most of the victims told you and told the Prime Minister they were concerned that white-collar criminals would not receive adequate sentences. That was the impression they had. I was there when I heard them say this to you. Furthermore, they have the impression, because of the system's shortcomings, that these fraudsters will merely pick up where they left off after they are released. The case of Vincent Lacroix comes to mind. Even the Government of Quebec must turn to the Court of Appeal because it believes that sentences should not run concurrently. The situation has become very serious indeed.
Nevertheless, I do have an important question for you, since we are meeting in public. The committee is considering Bill C-52. What do you say to the people who spoke to me, to you and to the Prime Minister? What do you intend to do to help the victims and put things right?
You know as well as I do that if this effort fails, we will be back to square one. Had Bill C-9 been adopted several months ago, we would not be here today. Could you clarify the situation for me? What do you plan to do for the victims to set things right?