Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to participate in the debate because I think it is a serious matter.
I first want to address myself to all young people in Canada and applaud the majority of them who managed to get through the teen years, very difficult years, without having to engage in the youth justice system. I do not think young people do this in a vacuum. Most of them have parents and teachers. Perhaps they have support through sporting activities and their daily lives. I applaud those young people, the majority of youth between ages 12 and 17 in Canada. They look like every other child on the street. They look the same as they walk down the street. They walk in groups and not in gangs. Most of them are wonderful children. They are at a time in history when it is very difficult to grow up and face the challenges in society.