Like all other witnesses that have appeared before the Committee to address problems with C-10, we certainly do not condone sex-related crimes. However, I would not make a distinction between that type of offense and any other. No-one here is pro crime. We are quite simply here to advocate against long-term crime. That is the only difference.
We are on the same side. By that, I mean that we want a safe society for all our citizens. There is across-the board support for that. I am a staunch advocate of this goal. However, you have to admit that initiatives over the past few years have resulted in numbers that support our position. I am referring here to studies done by psychoeducators, criminologists and prosecutors, who work day-in day-out in this area.
I was at the Centre jeunesse Cité-des-Prairies last Friday. There were young people of course but there were also 30, 35 or 40-year olds, whose role is to mentor young people and to teach them correct behaviour. They prepare young offenders for release. What will be the result for society if there is less focus on these initiatives?
Ask yourself that question. We can work together to develop appropriate initiatives, studies and processes. We can do this Canada wide to send the message to all Canadians that we are working together for long-term protection.