Madam Speaker, I note with the background of the member who just spoke that she probably exemplifies where we are in Canada, which is that indeed Canada is made up of all those in Canada, not just those from the so-called two founding nations. That is noteworthy.
My question to her concerns her being Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. I had occasion to have some people insist on having a discussion with me because someone they were associated with had been convicted of first degree murder 15 years ago. At that time the judge said it was an awful crime. I could see that in the eyes of these people when they met with me. These people are petrified at the potential of this killer being set free after 15 years.
At the sentencing hearing the judge said that it was such an awful crime there was no way the killer should be paroled for 25 years.
I have a question for the parliamentary secretary, as she will be the person who will be backing up the justice minister. This is a very serious question on behalf of these very distraught people.
Why should we believe in today's court judgments when the judges and the juries clearly say this is the penalty that must be applied because of the severity of the crime? Why should be believe in the judgment and in the sentencing that happens in 1997 if the judge says there should be no parole for 25 years, such as in the awful case of Bernardo? Why should we believe that our courts are going to be able to actually see that done?
Does the fact that her government refused to repeal section 745 not put the judgments and the sentencing of today's—