Good morning. Thank you for your invitation.
The Barreau du Québec has some reservations regarding clause 1, about using a victim’s name, particularly when the victim is a minor, in the short title. We do not think it serves any purpose to use one name when the aim is to amend criminal legislation for all Canadian youth.
It is surprising that reference should be made to that teenager’s situation to support changes to the Act, as it was that Act, as currently worded, that made it possible to impose adult sentences where the evidence showed that an adult sentence was necessary. Ironically, for the various cases of young people charged with offences, the outcome was that an adult sentence was imposed where necessary, and where not necessary, the young person was sentenced to remain in the youth system.
The Barreau du Québec believes that the legislation is adequate and produces the desired effects. In this instance, application of the Act helped protect society and at the same ensured that youth were rehabilitated.