Justice Committee on May 17th, 2022

Evidence of meeting #18 for Justice and Human Rights in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was section.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Bill C-5

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Andrew Di Manno Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice

Matthew Taylor General Counsel and Director, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai

I can give you two minutes, if that would suffice, and then we have to suspend, as it's 9:28 p.m.

9:25 p.m.

Green

Mike Morrice Green Kitchener Centre, ON

I appreciate that.

With respect to Ms. May's PV-17, Mr. Brock brought up the Nur decision. I would like to just share for the committee that in the Nur decision, in the Supreme Court of Canada's summary with respect to mandatory minimum penalties, the quote is,“Empirical evidence suggests that mandatory minimum sentences do not, in fact, deter crimes.”

Second, Mr. Brock brought up his concern with the government not moving forward on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action. I'll just share for the committee call to action number 32 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which is the following:

We call upon the federal government to amend the Criminal Code to allow trial judges, upon giving reasons, to depart from mandatory minimum sentences and restrictions on the use of conditional sentences.

I believe Mr. Brock earlier was encouraging this committee to follow through on the calls to action of the TRC.

Finally, there was a question with respect to who else Greens are following with respect to amendments like PV-17.

I'll just note that the Black Legal Action Centre, the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund have all also called for the removal of mandatory minimum penalties.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for the opportunity.

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON

Mr. Chair, can I call the question on this motion so we can dispose of it?

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai

We have about 30 seconds.

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON

If there's no objection, we can dispose of it tonight. We're willing to [Inaudible—Editor ]

9:30 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai

To do a vote on the—

9:30 p.m.

Conservative

Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB

I still was going to speak to this motion, as well.

9:30 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai

Since we have more speakers to this amendment, Mr. Anandasangaree, we are going to end the meeting.

The meeting is adjourned.