My colleague says that only Reformers are connected. We care about representing our constituents. Why do the Liberals not care what their constituents are thinking?
The private members' bill put forward by the member for York South-Weston has been ignored, has been swept under the carpet. It demanded repeal of section 745 and that is where we should be going, not tinkering, not doing what we did with the YOA, but making real change.
Seventy-four members supported that bill. Where are they today? Where are the government members who should be saying that we do need change. We need repeal of section 745. For goodness sake, why does the justice department reign without consideration of where Canadians are coming from. These members march in lock step with government priorities, whether it be automatic parole, or treatment of illegal immigrants or the small minority of immigrants who break the law. These are all things which are a total disgrace to Canadians. The government is not treating the criminal justice system with its due priority nor is it reflecting the views of Canadians.
The member for Skeena asked some excellent questions. What do we say to a woman whose husband was murdered and we know she has to live with the pain for the rest of her life while the criminal has a chance to go free in 15 years? What do we say to children whose mother was raped and killed by a repeat offender who was released early by a justice system that does not take the crime seriously? What do we say to the families of Clifford Olson's victims when he applies for early release? What do I say to the
moms and teens who will live on the same street as that young offender who will be released in three years?
Liberal members who have spoken have no appreciation of the anger that is out there or the overwhelming public support for a capital punishment referendum. Reform listens and we speak to and support that. How can these MPs say they are representatives? They have managed to miss the message. Who are they listening to? They are not hearing the people I am hearing.
I say today that we should repeal, not tinker with section 745. Along with my colleagues I will vote against Bill C-45.