Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Minister and department officials, for coming today. So far it's been very informative and helpful to me.
Minister, once again I'd like to thank you for attending my riding's round table on public safety and justice. During the deliberations at that meeting you would have heard from community policing committees, who are the representatives of the general populace in specific communities vis-à-vis justice and public safety matters. If you recall, some of these issues and serious concerns about the YCJA were brought up at that meeting.
I'd like to go in particular to what this bill actually does cover. Of course, the recent Speech from the Throne states that:
Our Government will also ensure the youth criminal justice system responds strongly to those few who commit serious and violent crimes, while focusing on the rehabilitation of all young offenders.
I wonder if you could explain to the committee and, more importantly as far as I'm concerned, to the folks at home who are watching this exactly what that means.