Mr. Speaker, the people of Dartmouth--Cole Harbour, like all Canadians, are concerned about crime, especially after a spate of swarmings and other offences.
Our government recognizes that Canadians see youth crime in particular as an important issue. Canadians have the right to feel safe and secure in their homes and communities. They also want a fair youth justice system that seeks constructive responses to youth crime.
Our youth justice system must reinforce social values and also give youth every opportunity to become productive, responsible citizens, while understanding their responsibility to society.
We also need to ensure that the system commands respect, fosters values, such as accountability and responsibility, and makes it clear that criminal behaviour will lead to meaningful consequence.
All members of this House should continue to listen to the concerns of their constituents so that as we move forward we can ensure that our laws are consistent with our community values and provide meaningful deterrent and punishment for those who choose to offend.