Over the last few days that we've been debating this legislation and doing this study on Bill C-43, I've heard several witnesses refer to the issue of permanent residence. Some people may come here at two years of age and decide they're going to enter criminal life at age 30. Some wonder whether they should be treated as a foreign criminal or as a local, even as a Canadian citizen.
In my opinion, there's a difference between a permanent resident and a Canadian citizen. If you're old enough to commit those crimes, you should know some of the benefits of Canadian citizenship. You've had plenty of opportunity in your lifetime to attain that.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association have come out strongly in support of Bill C-43, saying it will make Canadians, including the vast majority of immigrants in Canada who are honest and law-abiding, much safer.
Do you agree or disagree with the views of these police organizations?