Mr. Cryer.
Evidence of meeting #56 for Justice and Human Rights in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was internet.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #56 for Justice and Human Rights in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was internet.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10:50 a.m.
Director, Public Policy, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
The EFC didn't get everything it wanted in this bill, but is offering no further amendments other than the recommendation to pass it.
10:50 a.m.
Detective Sergeant, Sex Crimes Unit, Toronto Police Service
I think everyone needs to be at the table and, all in unison, pass this bill. That would be a good thing.
10:50 a.m.
Child Advocate, Founder of MMAP and Co-founder of Project Guardian, Mad Mothers Against Pedophiles
I agree. When we talked about it previously over the years, there was a fear of it becoming a constitutional issue and that it would not pass. Hopefully we've come to a place where it sounds like there is consensus on this bill.
I'm hoping that judges will also be given the opportunity. Like I said, there are two things that are epidemic here. One is this issue of age of consent and the other is no minimum sentencing.
10:50 a.m.
Executive Officer, Canadian Police Association
My cynical side says we'll see you the next time you're debating this bill. My optimistic side says I hope you get the job done.
10:55 a.m.
S/Sgt Mike Frizzell
I don't know why it hasn't passed in the past, but I sure hope it passes now.
10:55 a.m.
Conservative
10:55 a.m.
Conservative
Patrick Brown Conservative Barrie, ON
Thank you, Mr. Hanger.
Certainly it's great to get the testimony today from five very respected groups. I heard one reference saying we only have anecdotal evidence. From what we're hearing from constituents in our ridings, and given the fact that we have five groups all saying essentially the same thing, I would suggest that this bill badly needs to be passed. There is much more than circumstantial evidence that we need change. The stories we read in the newspapers about the horrific incidents, in my opinion, are profound motivation and profound evidence of why we need to fix this bill.
I thought one thing you said, Ms. Kohan, was very eloquent. You mentioned the revolving door and you mentioned the term “pedophile haven”. That led me to think of two questions that I'd like to pose in general.
One, how strategic do you think those who attempt to violate children are? If someone is living in a state bordering Canada, a state where they have a higher age of consent, do you think that person would actually target Canadian cities that are close to the border? Is there that strategic sense to criminals?
And two, with the fundamental goal that all parliamentarians have of obviously wanting to protect children, do you feel the steps we are taking in this Parliament—whether it's the removal of house arrest for some crimes, the will to put minimum sentences in, or now this current legislation—are headed in the right general direction?
Could you comment on those two points, Ms. Kohan first, and then Mr. Cannavino?
10:55 a.m.
Child Advocate, Founder of MMAP and Co-founder of Project Guardian, Mad Mothers Against Pedophiles
As far as the borders go, pedophiles are extremely methodical in their approach. They are cunning. They target children and will pretty much do anything to get to that child, within reason.
If pedophiles are on the border of the country and are looking at their own laws under which, like I said, they could receive 130 years, whereas, gee, if they just cross the border and we have lower resources and our police aren't equipped anything like police are in the United States, then even if they do get caught, gosh, they might end up with five or six years in prison, and it's a pretty nice prison to be in.... It's a no-brainer as far as pedophiles are concerned. They literally will come in. What is their option? Of course they're going to come over the border.
As far as minimum sentencing is concerned, yes, you're currently definitely on the right track. You're looking at raising the age of consent. There is a rumour, as such, that you're looking at minimum sentencing. There is a victim's ombudsman being introduced. You are singing the words I've been wanting to hear for a decade now. We're finally putting children first. The collective rights of children are being put first, rather than the individual rights of pedophiles. To me, it's like the time has finally come. It should have been done a long time ago, but at least it's being done now.
10:55 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Art Hanger
Are there any other comments?
I would like to thank all of the witnesses for appearing this morning. I believe we've had a valuable exchange, and I appreciate your attendance, as I know all the committee members do.
I would now recognize Mr. Ménard on a point of order.
10:55 a.m.
Bloc
Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga, QC
Mr. Chairman, there is something contradictory in the testimonies we have heard this morning. I certainly do not want to downplay the importance of adopting this bill, but we cannot be told that we do not have statistics, and at the same time, be told that Canada is a haven for sex tourists.
I have three requests for statistics which I will forward to our researchers, and I would like this search to be corroborated by Juristat. You will be given a copy afterwards.
I would also like to give our clerk authorization to accept Mr. Cannavino's invitation. I was not a member of the previous committee, and I would like to be able to visit... What is the name?
11 a.m.
Bloc
Carole Freeman Bloc Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, QC
Pardon me, Mr. Chairman, but I know that other parliamentarians have had access to other information. Aside from the cybersex unit that we can visit, did you have additional access to any other information previously?
11 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Art Hanger
Yes. Our committee, maybe not directly through the justice committee, has visited the RCMP centre. I think that would be a suggestion that would open the door to answering some of these questions, in reference to the cyber side of things. So I'm sure that can be arranged on this end.
11 a.m.
Detective Sergeant, Sex Crimes Unit, Toronto Police Service
Currently, there is undercover officer training, just down the road at the Canadian Police College, going on as we speak. I don't know if any of the members can avail themselves of it. We could certainly make arrangements, and they could see very quickly, just in the area of luring, how fast this is able to occur.