Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Mesdames Ministers and officials, for being here today. In the spirit of national pink shirt day and our anti-bullying campaign, I'm glad that the spirit and intent of our colleagues here are respectful of that. We do have a responsibility to lead by example.
One of the ways we have been... I appreciate the comments from my colleagues. One comment was about housing and provincial jurisdiction. Coming from British Columbia, I'd like to thank our CMHC representatives for working closely with BC Housing. We have an excellent program. The province sets the priorities. They've been focusing on seniors and persons with disabilities and we've really had good success to date.
I'd like to focus on something. It was a break week last week. Wherever I went, I heard that there was an issue with regard to something that's been in the headlines. It had to deal with Canada's most notorious serial killer, Mr. Olson, and the fact that he is getting old age security and a pension while he's incarcerated. I don't know about you, but I just think it's preposterous. My constituents can't believe that somebody is entitled to these benefits, getting a cost of living allowance, and getting everything paid for. It's a joke and it's frustrating for all of us.
Our government has always put victims first, Madam Chair, and all of us around this table realize that it's important to respect the victims instead of the criminals. In 2006 we implemented one of the first offices for victims of crime, the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime. Also, in this last budget, we're helping to support victims of crime and their families. So I know it's very important.
Maybe you could elaborate, Madam Minister. What are you hearing from Canadians and your constituents as far as our government's effective action on criminal justice matters is concerned? What are you hearing on the general issue of Mr. Olson?