Thank you, Mr. Chair.
And thank you to the witnesses for being here today.
What I have to say is directed at parents and to Mr. Penner, a father. I appreciate what it took for you to come here today to describe what you went though, what society did and, above all, what it did not do to help parents and victims who have gone through the same thing you have.
I can tell you that I argued many a case in youth court, and I met a number of parents such as yourself. The problem I have, and I say this in all honesty, is that everything you just mentioned is in the current act. Everything you are asking for is already in the current act. It would not have to be amended or revised. Everything is already there, I can assure you, in sections 38, 39 and 40 of the current act. I have read them and argued cases relying on them. It is all there.
The question we need to ask instead is why were you, the parents of these children, not informed. There is a problem somewhere. I am being completely sincere. When you read the specific sentences set out in sections 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42, everything is clearly laid out. It's all there. What really concerns me, what is so unfortunate here, is that the courts do not seem to be using them.
I cannot speak for British Columbia or for any other province besides Quebec, but I can tell you that the crime rate has gone down. Yes, violent crimes are still committed, of course. And yes, we still have street gangs, as Mr. Petit will probably tell you in a few minutes. Yes, that is true. Nevertheless, everything is already in the current act. I hate the fact that you cannot access the information you want. And I say that with all sincerity.
Do we need to amend the act? Do we need to include parents? Do we need to notify you and keep you informed, as set out in the current Criminal Code? The Criminal Code contains specific provisions that allow victims—such as yourself—to appear before the court and tell your stories.
I won't take up any more time with that. I will get to my question. This is for Mr. Wamback and obviously Mr. Penner. I would ask that you keep your answers brief, and you can have the rest of my time.
Why do we need to change the legislation to address your concerns when everything is already there? What is missing? What should be in there?
I had clients who delighted in going before the juvenile court under the Young Offenders Act. They would have loved to have their names posted everywhere because they would have come off looking all thuggish or tough. I am not convinced that amending the Criminal Code to make their names public would be such a good idea.
Mr. Chair, I am not sure how much time I have left, but I will give it to Mr. Penner and Mr. Wamback, because I want to hear what they have to say in response.