Madam Speaker, I would like to address an issue of concern to all of society.
In British Columbia three recent murder trials have produced a very disturbing trend. In each instance those accused were acquitted or convicted of a lesser charge of manslaughter because they had been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In at least one current murder trial this defence will likely be used.
Unfortunately, not only is the substance abuse defence in vogue for current trials, but individuals already convicted of murder are now appealing their conviction, citing this defence. If this trend continues it will be difficult to get a murder conviction in Canada.
While the legal profession may defend this trend as being in step with the current law and legal precedence, the general public is outraged.
If the government were serious about its promise to protect women and children from violence it would change the law to make people responsible for their actions.