Mr. Chair, I do not want to diminish the impact of this incident and indeed we do need to take note of it. However, I cannot resist taking issue with the picture that is being painted of our criminal justice system letting us down.
Opposition members, and in fact members from all parties, often operate under the misconception that violent crime is on the increase. The public also has that impression. However, the statistics are to the contrary. They indicate that violent crime is not increasing; it is decreasing. Our society is a safer place than it was in the past few years.
I am not trying to diminish the consequences of this incident. We have to ensure that everything is done to prevent any repeat of this type of incident. On balance, our society is less violent than in the past and the statistics are there to prove it. Unfortunately, this is something that many politicians, who are pushing the hot button and seeking public support, are assisting, aiding and abetting in giving the wrong impression.