This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-246 seeks to amend the Criminal Code to mandate consecutive, rather than concurrent, sentences for those convicted of multiple sexual offences.
Conservative
Mandates consecutive sentences: The Conservative party advocates for Bill C-246 to mandate consecutive sentencing for sexual offences, ensuring each crime carries its own penalty and ending "sentencing discounts" for predators.
Opposes concurrent sentencing: Conservatives argue that current concurrent sentencing for sexual offences is unjust and dangerous, as it reduces jail time for multiple crimes and fails to reflect the trauma experienced by victims.
Addresses sentencing disparities: The party highlights the injustice that property crimes often carry higher maximum sentences than sexual assault, advocating for a victim-first approach that reflects the severity of sexual violence.
Bloc
Supports committee study: The Bloc Québécois will vote in favour of Bill C-246 to allow it to be studied in committee, despite having initial questions and concerns about its provisions.
Current law allows consecutive sentences: Canadian criminal law already provides judges with broad discretion to impose consecutive sentences for multiple sexual offences, considering factors like repeat offences and aggravating circumstances.
Concerns about judicial discretion: The Bloc questions the bill's goal of automatically imposing consecutive sentences by reducing judicial discretion, believing that the current system can already achieve the stated objectives.
Questions bill's effectiveness: The party questions the bill's effectiveness in reducing recidivism or crime, citing studies that show a significant decrease in sexual offence recidivism rates under current rules.
Liberal
Opposes Bill C-246: The Liberal party opposes Bill C-246, arguing it is unconstitutional, overly rigid, and would not enhance public safety due to its mandatory consecutive sentencing for all sexual offences.
Criticizes bill's rigidity: The bill's mandatory consecutive sentences remove judicial discretion, risk grossly disproportionate sentences, discourage guilty pleas, and place undue pressure on the justice system without evidence of reducing re-offending.
Supports Bill C-14 as an alternative: The government proposes Bill C-14, which strengthens the justice system with tougher bail rules, ends house arrest for serious sexual offences, and allows judges to consider consecutive sentences while preserving discretion.
Prioritizes victim-centred reforms: The party's approach focuses on evidence-based, charter-compliant, and victim-centred reforms, contrasting with the Conservatives' 'ideology over evidence' and calls for cooperation on their legislation.
