Mr. Speaker, when an 11-year-old boy commits a violent crime, the only thing that authorities can do is send him home or to the Children's Aid Society, nothing more.
Such was the case in Toronto this month when a 13-year-old girl was allegedly attacked by three young boys and then raped by an 11-year-old. Apparently this boy was already known to police for auto theft and robbery. He was and still is immune from charges because the Young Offenders Act exempts children under age 12.
The system is failing these young people and their victims. Bill C-228, which I introduced in March, would include children as young as 10 under the YOA. If members are actually listening to the outrage of Canadians over this tragic event, then I urge them to support this change. These kids are capable of committing violent crimes, they are certainly capable of knowing they have done wrong and they must be held accountable for their actions.