Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Fraser Valley for bringing forward Bill C-209. I also appreciate his thoughtful and rightful initiative in doing so.
We all know joyriding is a serious crime and a serious problem. It is not a joyful ride. It should be called a painful ride. This problem affects communities all over the country and any one of us could be a victim of this crime. We do not know who will be a target tomorrow in our communities. The hon. member for Erie—Lincoln said even he was a victim of this crime.
It is disappointing to hear members from the third and fourth parties opposing the bill.
In my riding 27 cars are stolen every day. Most of them end up being used for a so-called joyride, which I call a painful ride. The fine imposed for this type of crime is unproportional to the loss and damage caused, including the innocent lives which are lost in these types of accidents. As a result of this, insurance premiums are increasing. They are skyrocketing. Innocent victims are affected not only by the damage but also by the increased insurance premiums.
The hon. NDP member for Vancouver East stated that an increase in penalties, fines or holding the parents responsible will not help. What else will help to reduce this type of crime?
Let us consider the record of other countries, such as Singapore. There are no more joyrides in those countries because the penalties are harsh and tough. Young criminals know that the penalties are tough. That is the way to control these crimes. Someone has to be held responsible for these painful rides. Who else will be held accountable? These young kids are stealing cars and going for joyrides. Why not hold the parents responsible?
This is an excellent bill. We need to bring about these changes. Measures to deal with joyriding should be in the Criminal Code. Someone has to take the initiative. The parents should be held accountable for the actions of their kids who are not properly controlled.
I appreciate the initiative of the hon. member for Fraser Valley. Considering the seriousness of these crimes, we need to take corrective action and hold someone accountable.