Madam Speaker, I am honoured once again to rise in the House under Standing Order 36 on behalf of the hon. member for York South-Weston and his constituents.
The undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House to the fact that individuals convicted of first degree murder are sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for parole for 25 years. Those convicted of second degree murder can be sentenced to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for 15 years or more.
Section 745 of the Canadian Criminal Code allows murderers to apply for a reduction in the number of years of imprisonment notwithstanding having been tried, convicted and sentenced in a court of law. Individuals convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison can become eligible for parole after serving 15 years by virtue of section 745 of the Canadian Criminal Code.
Therefore the petitioners request that Parliament pass legislation to remove section 745 from the Canadian Criminal Code. I agree with the petitioners.