Before we wrap things up, I want to say that I agree with the youth centres association, which appeared on October 25. Pierre Hamel, Director of Legal Affairs, was their spokesperson.
I agree that we need to maintain a balance between protecting the public and rehabilitating young people. We believe in investing in social services, particularly when it comes to tangible measures to reduce poverty, and the creation of programs to help youth enter the job market and to improve access to housing. All such measures will do more for society's youth in the long term than any hard-on-crime approach that seeks to toughen up the laws.
That was just a general comment I wanted to make about the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.