Evidence of meeting #12 for Justice and Human Rights in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to be crystal clear from the onset. Every member of this committee shares the same goal of protecting children from exploitation and ensuring that offenders face the toughest possible penalties. There is absolutely no ambiguity on that point.
However, we also have a duty to act responsibly. The notwithstanding clause is an extraordinary measure that overrides charter rights. It has never been used by a federal government, and it should not be used as a political reaction to a court decision, no matter how strongly we feel about the outcome.
There's one amendment to Mr. Brock's motion. Our amendment is to make this motion stronger and more constructive. I will circulate that to the clerk in a few minutes.
The amendment keeps the focus exactly where it belongs—on protecting children without undermining the charter or the independence of our courts. We are calling on this government to bring forward legislation to strengthen protections against child sexual exploitation. That's the responsible path. It's firm action rooted in evidence, in respect for the Constitution and in an unwavering commitment to keep our children safe.
Let's be clear. Child sexual exploitation is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. Those who prey on children are the worst of the worst, and they deserve to face the full force of the law. Our government will always stand firm against those who harm any child.
With that, Mr. Chair, I will be sending over the amendment on the third paragraph of Mr. Brock's motion.
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
The third paragraph will read as this. “The committee call on the government to table legislation to address child sexual exploitation reaffirming Parliament's unwavering commitment to protecting children and ensuring that offenders face the toughest sentences our justice system allows.”
Liberal
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
You did, but I'll speak to Ms. Lattanzio's amendment when it's tabled, when people have a copy of it and when you're ready.
Liberal
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
I was going to ask for a brief recess so that we can review and consult.
I would like to be acknowledged as the first speaker to Ms. Lattanzio's amendment.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Marc Miller
We'll do that. We'll suspend briefly. You can talk, and let's figure this out.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Marc Miller
We will continue. The amendment is in your inboxes, members.
I have, for the first round, dismissed the witnesses because we won't get to—
Bloc
Bloc
Rhéal Fortin Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
It’s coming, but we will not start talking about it until we’ve received it. I want to be sure we’re talking about the same thing.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Marc Miller
Let me read it out loud and you can confirm that. Let me finish and you can judge accordingly.
I just asked the witnesses to be dismissed for this hour. We're not going to get to any questions, unfortunately.
You should have, in your inboxes, English and French copies of the amendment that Ms. Lattanzio has presented.
I will read it out loud in both languages, and you can confirm that this is what has been presented to you by email, and then we can continue the debate on this motion, eventually vote on it, and, if need be, vote on the main motion.
What Ms. Lattanzio has moved, in the third paragraph, is to replace all the words on the last paragraph after “to”, with the following: “table legislation to address child sexual exploitation reaffirming Parliament’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and ensuring that offenders face the toughest sentences our justice system allows.”
In English:
That the motion be amended by replacing the words after “to” of the third paragraph with the following: “table legislation to address child sexual exploitation reaffirming Parliament’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and ensuring that offenders face the toughest sentences our justice system allows”.
On this amendment, I have Mr. Housefather and then Mr. Brock.
Liberal
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
On this one, there's a lot we all agree on. That the—
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
I have a point of order.
Mr. Chair, I respect the spirit in which Ms. Lattanzio sought an amendment. Unfortunately, it is not anywhere close to the spirit and the intent of our particular motion. In fact, it's a whole new motion.
In our view, it is out of order and it's not admissible. We'd be seeking a ruling from the chair accordingly.
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Marc Miller
Just give me a second to confer with the clerk.
We'll continue on this amendment while the clerk verifies whether it is admissible.
Conservative
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
I challenge your ruling, so it would not be in order for you to turn to Mr. Housefather. This requires a vote.
Conservative
Conservative