Evidence of meeting #10 for Public Safety and National Security in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was office.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:10 p.m.
Conservative
Phil McColeman Conservative Brant, ON
Just so it's on the record that I've asked this question, this actual ombudsman—because I've only been here just a little longer than 18 months—wasn't set up until the Conservative government came into existence?
5:15 p.m.
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
It was announced in 2007 by Minister Day and Minister Nicholson.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
Phil McColeman Conservative Brant, ON
By the way, I must digress for a second and say that all this insinuation I think was a little disrespectful, and I apologize to you, sir, for the innuendo of the comments that led to your not being renewed in your position. I thought it was actually disrespectful to you in terms of how it was presented, and I apologize on behalf of this committee for that, because there was innuendo, definitely, attached to those comments, and it wasn't appropriate, in my mind.
Having said that, the other thing that was brought up was by colleagues across the way in terms of their outrage at this legislation having died because of prorogation. I just wonder, in the case of the human trafficking bill that we put forward, what your thoughts were in terms of the agreement. Was it a good bill, in your mind? Should it have been supported by all members of Parliament?
5:15 p.m.
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
I'm familiar with Mrs. Smith's work. I've appeared at different conferences with her. I think that's an area of targeted, specific reform for a group of individuals who commit horrific crimes, and the response of the system isn't adequate right now. I've been before committees for a lot of years, and have never been accused of not wanting to hold offenders accountable. That to me is an example of a targeted area on individuals who commit horrific crimes and aren't being held accountable, as we should.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
Phil McColeman Conservative Brant, ON
Specifically, the outrage is a little disingenuous when one party in the House of Commons didn't vote for that--and I'd like to say that on the record. The Bloc members did not support that.
The last one I'll finish up with was introduced in the Senate today--the faint hope clause. Do you think it might go the same way as the mandatory minimums for human trafficking when it comes to actual debate? Should Parliament be unanimous on that one as well?
5:15 p.m.
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
It's an initiative I support. I have been to the hearings with the families, and they're tremendously difficult for them. If we can relieve them of that burden it will be a good thing, and I encourage all members to give the bill serious consideration.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz
Thank you very much, Mr. Sullivan.
This meeting stands adjourned.