Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, the people of Taschereau in Abitibi—Témiscamingue joined together in protest against our legal system, particularly the practice of releasing people without bail. Close to 5,000 signatures were gathered in three days in support of their action.
This protest was triggered by a tragic event. Christine Bertrand, 17 years old, and Laurie Lefebvre, who was just 18 months old, lost their lives when they were struck while on the shoulder of the highway in Taschereau. The driver responsible for this terrible accident fled the scene.
I wish to assure the people of Taschereau and the surrounding area that they can count on me to support their petition and to bring it to the attention of the House of Commons. They can also count on me to make the necessary representations to the Minister of Justice.
In closing, I wish to express my condolences to the families of the victims and to the community of Taschereau, whom this tragic event has brought together in great solidarity.