Debates of May 23rd, 2024

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, there were 6,900.

How many extortion cases were there in 2022? I would like just the number.

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, there were 7,671 charges over a period of nine years, 2012 to—

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, there were 9,700 cases of extortion in 2022. That is a 40% increase.

Have they doubled since 2012, yes or no?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, the number that I have, as I have indicated repeatedly, is 7,671 charges completed for extortion between 2012 and—

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, the Liberal Bill C-5 made it easier for criminals to commit extortion with a gun. It makes it easier for them to get out of jail.

Have cases of extortion gone up since 2022, yes or no?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, as I have indicated, extortion is on the rise. We have a mandatory minimum penalty for a repeat offender who uses a weapon for extortion. We are ensuring that extortion is being taken seriously because it is on the rise.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, Bill C-5 took away mandatory minimums for criminals committing extortion with a gun. Why?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, there is a mandatory minimum penalty in place for people who use a restricted or prohibited firearm. The—

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Minister, Bill C-5 repealed mandatory minimums for criminals committing extortion with a gun. Why?

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The member knows that he is to address questions and comments through the Chair.

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, the hon. member should know that is categorically incorrect, and I encourage him to read the Criminal Code. If someone commits an extortion with a prohibited firearm, that person is subject to a mandatory minimum.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, I will give the minister one more chance.

Bill C-5 repealed mandatory minimums for extortion with a gun. Why?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, there is a mandatory minimum penalty that is in place right now that was unchanged through Bill C-5. If someone does use—

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, extortion cases have doubled since 2019. Is the minister proud of that?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, extortion is rising. We are seized of that matter and we are addressing it.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, does the minister think it was wise to make it easier to commit violent extortion with a gun?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, violent extortion that involves a prohibited firearm attracts a mandatory minimum penalty.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, the minister is incorrect. I will give him one more chance.

Does he think it was wise to make it easier for a criminal to commit extortion with a gun through a Bill C-5, yes or no?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Chair, I would encourage the member to read the Criminal Code. The mandatory minimum remains in place for extortion that is committed with violence with a restricted firearm.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Madam Chair, what about with non-restricted guns?