That's how the chief judge of Quebec's youth court summed up the intervention philosophy. I see that Mr. Bala is nodding his head. He's probably aware of it since he has written the most about young offenders.
I'm afraid of one thing. There was a concern about the changes that were made the last time. I believe that was in 2002. It was feared that Quebec would be unable to continue applying that philosophy because too many limits were being placed on judges' discretion. They were allowed to impose harsh measures for less serious offences when they were warranted by the young offender's personality and prospects. At times, they could also make more lenient decisions with regard to very serious crimes. The judges appreciated that discretion and were advised by psychologists attached to the court.
I'm sure that any amendments to this bill would be an opportunity for them to tell you whether the dangers they feared with regard to the act have materialized.