I've had many thoughts.
Evidence of meeting #19 for Canadian Heritage in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was children.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #19 for Canadian Heritage in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was children.
A recording is available from Parliament.
December 8th, 2025 / 5:35 p.m.
Restorative Justice Consultant, As an Individual
Just cut me off when you will. I won't remember the time.
These problems are not new. These are problems that were occurring 20 years ago. I watch, I listen and I recognize that these are all the same problems I was dealing with 20 years ago. The amplification of the problems, of course, is true. Who can deny that we want to protect all of our children?
At more of a foundational level, I think whatever legislation is passed today is out of date tomorrow. We're dealing with a difficult problem, which is, to put it a different way, that traditional institutions move linearly. We know how that works: one thing after another after another. The Internet moves exponentially, and that's going to make it very hard to keep up.
I have many thoughts, but one thought that I think is important is that any legislation that's created has to be dynamic. It can't be static. The space moves so fast, at warp speed, so we won't be able to keep up with it. I can guarantee that. We have to think through that frame or through that lens. It's a whole different perspective when it comes to legislating. It's new. I think static legislation will fail. I even have my doubts...if dynamic legislation can fail, because this space moves so fast.
I think we have to figure something out to protect children, of course. I have many other thoughts about this. I don't do studies, and I value studies, but I've had first-hand experience for nearly 30 years. I've had many intimate discussions through restorative circles. I've been in so many offices with parents and kids for bullying, and all these things are not new. They're not new at all. I know the patterns.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Lisa Hepfner
Mr. Mason—and I'll extend this invitation to all the witnesses at committee today—we would like to hear any other thoughts you have that you didn't have a chance to express today. Please send us an email through the clerk. Anything that maybe you forgot to say and any other information you may have, please send it to us. We can use that information. The analysts will use it as we prepare our study in the new year.
That is all the time we have for today, but I truly appreciate your participation. Once again, please send us any final thoughts you have. Thank you.
With that, I will adjourn this meeting. Merry Christmas, everyone.