Martin Cauchon

[Immigration and Refugee Board, June 9th, 2003]

First of all, Mr. Speaker, she knows very well that we are talking actually about an RCMP investigation and we cannot comment, of course. We are talking basically about allegations. Having said that, on a more general note we are talking basically about criminal offences and criminal offences fall under the responsibility of the provincial attorneys. It is part of their jurisdiction. Let them do their work.

[Justice, June 4th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I do not know if the member is referring to what we call the Young Offenders Act. There is a designated offence and that may end up as being what we call a sentence for adults.

With regard to conditional sentencing, I will repeat essentially what I said over and over. We went through a review process. We will wait to see what will be the outcome. It is a tool at the disposal of the court, and judges are not forced to use it. They use it when the offender does not represent a risk to our society.

[Justice, June 4th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the opposition knows very well that conditional sentencing was put in place some years ago. It has been used by the courts as well. The opposition also knows that the justice committee went through a review as well.

We are waiting to see the outcome of that review, but having said that, conditional sentencing is not used when an offender could represent a risk to the public. It is one of the tools at the disposal of the court. Judges are not forced to use it. They use it based on each and every case, depending upon the circumstances.

[Justice, June 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, it is very simple. No judge actually is forced to use conditional sentencing. It is one of the tools that they have access to in order to deal with offenders. As I said, they use conditional sentencing essentially when the offender does not represent a risk or danger to the public.

Having said that, there is a review process in place and we will see what will be the outcome of that review process.

[Justice, June 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, first he will understand that as Minister of Justice I cannot comment on any decision that has been rendered by a court. As well, I do not feel that it is responsible to comment on a decision.

Having said that, some years we put in place conditional sentencing to be used by the courts. It is used when an offender does not represent a danger to the public. It has been proven to be efficient as well. Having said that, we are going through a review period at this point in time. I know that the justice committee is working on that and we will see what the result is of that review process.

[Justice, May 29th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, at the beginning of week we renewed the national drug strategy. We will be investing $245 million over the next five years. Having said that, we will be doing research and investing in better enforcement.

This morning we were able to expand the national drug treatment court that we have in place. We actually have two pilot projects in place, one in Toronto and one in Vancouver. At the end of the process we will have five drug treatment courts. That will be a huge benefit to our society.

[Justice, May 29th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, indeed this week we tabled a policy regarding the question of cannabis reform and at the same time renewing the national drug strategy. In doing that, the government wants to make sure that it sends a strong message to the effect that the use of cannabis in Canada and any other drugs is strictly illegal. Cultivation as well is criminal. If the member would read the bill he would realize that at the same time we doubled the sentence for marijuana grow operations.

[Justice, May 28th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the question is a very important one because all Canadians know that the question of drug-impaired driving in Canada is indeed a serious crime. It is an offence based on the Criminal Code.

At this point in time we are working with police forces from across Canada to develop a piece of equipment to measure that, and to ensure that the court will accept the new test. As well I am working in cooperation with my colleagues, and I intend to come forward with some amendments to the legislation pretty soon.

[Justice, May 28th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the message that he is trying to send is pretty irresponsible. If we look at what is taking place in the field, it has no connection with Canadian realities. Look at what is taking place today.

People for the same amount, regarding the legislation we tabled yesterday, will basically get a verbal warning. At the end of the day there is a high disregard for the justice system. We want to develop a tool that we will enforce to send a strong message that in Canada the use of marijuana is strictly illegal. We are responsible on this side of the House.

[Justice, May 28th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the member knows very well that drug impaired driving was a criminal offence, is a criminal offence and will remain a criminal offence. That does not change the situation with regard to the Criminal Code.

There is no test but the government is working in cooperation with police forces across Canada and we will come up with reform on that side as soon as we can. We want to ensure that we develop a test that will be accepted by the courts in order to implement the existing legislation within the Criminal Code.