It did pass unanimously in the House.
I appreciate, sir, hearing a victim. I have something here that came from the Earl Jones organizing committee. They have asked me to read it, and I will:
In response to the current debate in Ottawa on the newly proposed parole law, Bill C-59, the victims of Earl Jones would like to express their support for the ongoing efforts of both the Conservative government, and the Bloc Quebecois, in their combined efforts to better protect the rights of all victims of white-collar crime.
The victims have worked hard over the past 20 months with the Conservative government in bringing forward their many crime bills, and are very pleased with these legislative efforts. We do not want to see this important piece of legislation scuttled by the opposition parties that place the rights of offenders over the rights of victims.
The elimination of the so-called 1/6th access to early day parole for crimes committed by non-violent offenders not only better protects these victims, but also serves to provide the strongest deterrent in our society against any acts of serious fraud, and theft resulting from such fraud, from white-collar criminals.
Most notably, Vincent Lacroix was recently eligible for early day parole, and has subsequently been released from prison, and is on the streets of Montreal.
We do not want to see the same thing happen to Earl Jones, and we are petitioning all political parties in Ottawa to stand up for the victims of Earl Jones, and asking them to do the right thing to act now, and support the passage of Bill C-59.
“As a victim of the Earl Jones Ponzi Scheme, I know first hand how devastating the effects that white collar crime has had on the lives of the victims, their families and their descendants. Almost every week there is a new Ponzi Scheme discovered in Canada and to date there is little incentive in our current criminal code to discourage criminals from taking this lucrative path. White collar crime is fast becoming the most debilitating crime for Seniors in the country. We have been left without our savings and have been shamed and ridiculed in the press. Time is of the essence in this matter.”
“Do you know what it feels like to be ready to retire, knowing you have enough money to enjoy your home and to do some travelling, but suddenly to have the carpet pulled from under your feet? We have gone through this because of Earl Jones and the fraud he perpetuated for so long. We have lost our nest egg, as well as the money we wanted to leave to our children. We have had to go back to work. We don't want to see this man out on parole as early as next December. This is not a good system. Please work with the other parties to come to a good conclusion for all of us that have been victims of 'white collar crime'”.