Bill C-246

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consecutive sentences for sexual offences)

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to require that sentences for sexual offences be served consecutively.

Criminal Code

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-246, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consecutive sentences for sexual offences).

Mr. Speaker, for over a decade, Liberal justice policies have increasingly favoured criminals, therefore undermining the safety and dignity of victims and communities alike. Nowhere is this more painfully evident than in the case of sexual assault. Sexual violence is one of the most devastating violations a person can suffer. It strips away their dignity, their safety and their trust, yet multiple sexual assaults are often treated as if they are one offence, therefore minimizing harm, weakening deterrence and eroding public trust.

Since 2015, sexual assaults have increased nearly 75%, and offences against children by 120%. Liberal reforms have repeatedly prioritized repeat offenders, sending the wrong message that protecting predators matters more than protecting Canadians—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

There is a point of order from the parliamentary secretary to the government House leader.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, you have commented on brevity during the introduction of private members' bills. We are finding that introductions are becoming more and more political. The statement that was just made is an excellent demonstration of this. I think you need to go back to the Standing Orders and provide a comment on how private members' bills are supposed to be introduced.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Typically, we are aiming for interventions of about 60 seconds when introducing a private member's bill, and the hon. member had not reached the 60-second mark. She has a bit of time left, but not much more.

The member for Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola is rising on a point of order.

[Frank Caputo, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the member politicizes just about everything, so the member for Lethbridge should be able to start from the top. In my view, that was a deliberate attempt to interrupt. She was not able to say what she needed to say to the Canadian public in one stream of thought, and she is entitled to start again.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I will give the member a bit more time, but not from the top.

Please, go ahead.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, my point is clear that for over a decade, Liberal justice policies have increasingly favoured criminals and undermined the safety and dignity of victims and communities alike. The bill I am bringing forward today seeks to put victims ahead of criminals, which is where we need to land as a country. Liberal reforms have repeatedly prioritized repeat offenders, sending the wrong message that protecting predators matters more than protecting Canadians, and this practice is wrong and must end.

My bill would amend the Criminal Code to require courts to impose consecutive sentences rather than concurrent ones for sentences for sexual offences. With my bill, each crime would carry its own penalty and each victim would receive the recognition they deserve.

It is long overdue that we put victims ahead of criminals, and I hope I can count on all members of this place to agree with that.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)