Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, members of the committee, and distinguished guests who are also presenting here today.
I would like to start off by saying that the integrity of the justice system depends on equitable social conditions in which we all live. I'm here today to express the Peacebuilders' support for and provide some advice on Bill C-5 and to draw attention to the substantial strides this bill makes in remedying Canada's response to significant social health issues impacting marginalized communities.
For over 17 years, Peacebuilders relied on restorative justice practices to encourage the reintegration of the community with those involved in the justice system. A restorative justice model addresses the individual and collective experiences of systemic marginalization as it relates to exposure to violence, mental illness, mental health, systemic discrimination, poverty and unequal access. Our programs directly respond to the disproportionate number of Black and racialized individuals involved in the justice system.
While we understand the causes of over-incarceration are complex and multi-faceted, we know that sentencing and charging processes play an important role in mitigating the cycle of oppression and connecting individuals to necessary supports and services. Indeed, Peacebuilders believes that Canada's justice system requires sentencing and charging structures that adequately address and respond to the needs of Black justice-involved individuals. We see Bill C-5 as a means of promoting fairer and more just outcomes for Black and marginalized Canadians, while continuing to protect public safety by amending sentencing laws to increase alternatives to incarceration.
By no means does this legislation address the historical issues impacting Black and indigenous folks who are overrepresented in the justice system. It is a step in the right direction. When we look at the wide range of mandatory minimum penalties that have been added to Canadian laws in recent years, it's no secret that many politicians may feel more comfortable with the idea of eliminating some types of mandatory minimum penalties than they do eliminating others. Discrimination, the undermining of public safety and violations of constitutional rights are problems associated with all mandatory minimum penalties, not only the 13 of the 72 offences carrying mandatory minimum penalties dealt with in Bill C-5 and the seven additional offences partly dealt with by the bill.
As countless previous reports and Black and indigenous leaders have urged across this country, we think that the proposed amendments would move beyond a piecemeal approach and address all mandatory minimum penalties. We believe that you will be making the right decisions by addressing the historical needs of various communities, especially those who are Black and indigenous and who are overrepresented in the justice system.
Peacebuilders believe that Bill C-5 will address and respond to some of the needs in a more fulsome way, while also promoting public safety and improving confidence in the justice system. We hope to see an increased use of accountability measures that are better suited to addressing the underlying reasons for criminality and that best prevent recidivism. Evidently the public will benefit greatly from Bill C-5 as a tool to respond in enhancing public safety, support the administration of justice, and save funds for other critical resources.
It is through our collective frontline experience, research and community partnership that Peacebuilders can confidently endorse and encourage that more work be done with regards to amendments to Bill C-5, as in committee forums, necessary to begin transforming Canada's justice system. Consequently, we're calling on the Government of Canada to enact and make changes to Bill C-5 in recognition of the need for the justice system to do better for Black and indigenous folks who have been over-represented in our communities. This is about providing other opportunities, such as diversion programs and alternatives to sentencing, and ensuring that we have safer communities for those who are in need of supports that are culturally relevant to integrate back into their communities and have the opportunity and support to better themselves and members of their families.
It is in the best interests of communities that Bill C-5 works to provide judges and other justice officials with the means to be able to support both the community's safety and those who are in need of support to address the overrepresentation of Black and indigenous folks across this country.
Thank you.