Vic Toews

[Questions on the Order Paper, April 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), CSC operates 57 federal correctional institutions across Canada ranging from minimum to maximum security, 16 community correctional centres and 84 parole offices. None of these facilities are operated by the private sector. Budget 2012 was clear: the government has not built a single new prison since 2006 and has no intention of building any new prisons.

The government is committed to the idea that the work of guarding inmates should be performed by employees of the Government of Canada. CSC currently uses some privatized services for the delivery of specialized, non-correctional programs and services, e.g., medical professionals and educational services, which are provided through contracts with the private sector. In addition, CSC does contract, or enter into agreements, with not-for-profit organizations and communities, which operate community residential facilities, also known as halfway houses, or healing lodges, or which provide a service to CSC.

With regard to (a)(i) and (a)(iii), CSC had previously engaged in discussions with Public-Private Partnerships Canada, or PPP Canada, but has no plans to pursue the use of PPP.

With regard to (a)(ii), no agreements or contracts have been entered into.

With regard to (b)(i) and (b)(ii), court-imposed sentences of two years or more are administered within the federal correctional system, while sentences of less than two years are administered through the provincial/territorial correctional systems. However, Section 16 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act provides for the Minister of Public Safety, with the approval of the Governor in Council, to enter into an exchange of services agreement, ESA, with the government of a province for the confinement of federal offenders in provincial correctional facilities or hospitals and the confinement of provincial offenders in federal penitentiaries.

CSC currently has bilateral ESAs with all 13 provincial/territorial jurisdictions.

With regard to (b)(iii), these agreements do not involve the privatization of any aspect of correctional and accommodation services.

[The Environment, March 26th, 2013]

Of course, Mr. Speaker, we will wait to see what happens, but I am very confident that the Emergency Measures Organization in Manitoba that is on the front lines is doing a good job in terms of preparedness.

In respect to flood mitigation, it was our Prime Minister who, in 2011, announced $100 million for flood mitigation. Presently there are discussions with all provinces as to how we can look at flood mitigation as an ongoing program.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 26th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to announce that our Conservative government will be providing stable, long-term funding for first nations policing. Spending on first nations policing has increased substantially under this government.

This important initiative is part of our government's plan for safe streets and communities and we are pleased with the reception it is receiving from the first nations community leaders that I met with.

[Public Safety, March 25th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as the House is aware, policing is a provincial responsibility. We have contributed to policing through initiatives like the first nations policing program. Providing them with a five-year plan has been met with some great enthusiasm by first nations communities.

That party has opposed tougher sentences for sexual assault and has opposed ending house arrest for serious crimes. That party opposes tougher penalties for those who sell drugs to our children. That is the record of—

[Public Safety, March 25th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to announce not too long ago a five-year stable plan for funding for first nations policing. I had the opportunity to meet with these individuals, and we gave them that five-year funding to ensure we get the policing issue right in first nations communities.

We continue to work with the provinces in respect of the various laws they are responsible for enforcing. They are working with us. Unfortunately, that member and his party have opposed every single measure we have taken in terms of toughening up our criminal justice system.

[Public Safety, March 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, first and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with Constable Kovach's family, especially her mother Gloria and father Bill. Constable Kovach made the ultimate sacrifice to help keep her fellow Canadians safe.

The death of a police officer in the line of duty is a sobering reminder of the devotion and sacrifice of those who serve each day to keep us safe. On behalf of the government and all Canadians, I thank police officers across Canada.

[Public Safety, March 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our government has increased front-line border officers by 26%, and that member voted against that provision. Rather than standing up for law-abiding immigrants who work hard and play by the rules, the NDP chooses to make things easier for those who defy our laws and take advantage of Canadians' generosity. In fact, NDP members even voted against the faster removal of foreign criminals act.

[Public Safety, March 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, this show is about the situations faced daily by front-line border officers. The privacy of individuals is protected at all times. The majority of episodes deal with front-line CBSA officers stopping criminals from entering Canada.

We expect the CBSA to enforce Canada's laws and ensure the safety and security of law-abiding Canadians.

[Correctional Service Canada, March 20th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, this is a very sad case and our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Smith's family.

Our government directed Correctional Service Canada to fully co-operate with the coroner's inquest. I am certain that the coroner will come back with a fulsome report. Hiring decisions by Correctional Service Canada are made independently of politicians.

[Correctional Service Canada, March 20th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated before, this is a very sad case and our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Smith's family.

The government directed Correctional Service Canada to fully co-operate with the coroner's inquest. With respect to the specific hiring, as the member knows, hiring decisions by Correctional Service Canada are made independently of politicians.