Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by saying that my heart is filled with emotion as I rise here today to speak to Bill C‑221, especially after listening to my colleague earlier. This bill is not just about tinkering with the wording, regulations and provisions. As the House will hear from my remarks, this is about restoring some sincerity in how we treat human beings. I see this as something deeply human. I am talking about the way our justice system recognizes—or, unfortunately, sometimes forgets—those who have suffered the most, whom I will refer to as victims.
When we hear from victims, they are not asking for any sort of privilege. They are asking for something much more essential: to be seen. They are asking us to listen to them. They are asking for respect. Too often, they tell us that they feel invisible in a system they do not understand, a system where decisions that affect them are made without explanation, without context and sometimes even without warning. That is precisely what this bill seeks to remedy.
Many victims feel hurt the most when they feel left out of the processes that determine what happens to the offender who has devastated their lives. Unfortunately, finding out that an offender is eligible for a temporary absence or parole without understanding how these calculations are made feels like an additional punishment for the victims. It is a punishment that we can and should avoid.
Let us be clear. Our institutions, like Correctional Service Canada and the Parole Board of Canada, do important, sensitive work. They support more than 9,000 victims a year. They provide a portal for victims, as well as information letters, help lines and personalized support. I want to highlight this work, which is neither simple nor obvious. Despite these efforts, something fundamental is still missing, and that thing that is missing most of all is understanding. We are talking about human beings. We are talking about people. We are talking about the victims' understanding not just of the dates but of the meaning behind the dates; not just of the decisions that were made but of the logic behind those decisions. Understanding is not just an administrative detail. Understanding means being able to breathe again. Understanding means being less afraid of the unexpected. Understanding means regaining some control in a life that has been turned upside down.
The purpose of Bill C-221 is exactly that: to explain to victims how and why certain key dates are calculated and what this means for them in practical terms. It is a simple but profoundly fair approach. It does not challenge the courts' decisions. It does not compromise public safety. It does not hinder correctional professionals. It reinforces a fundamental principle: the dignity of individuals, the dignity of human beings, the dignity of victims.
We know that this issue transcends party lines. This is not about politics; it is about compassion and humanity. Behind every case, there is a story. Today, we heard our colleague talk about one such story. When we listen to the details of that story, we can truly understand the depth of the anger that victims and their loved ones may feel. That is where a bill must come from. It comes from a feeling of being neglected, of not being listened to, and of not understanding exactly what is going on.
That is what inspired this bill: a family's suffering. Naturally, I share that point of view because it is vital that we do something about such situations. It is our duty to do so, for the spouse living with a silence that will never go away, for the family retraumatized by every court update, decision and deadline. This bill will not fix everything, but it is a concrete step forward toward a system that is better at recognizing victims and their experiences.
When we give victims information that is clear, transparent, understandable and written in plain language, we are not just explaining our calculations; we are sending the message that their suffering matters and their safety matters. Their presence in the legal process is not incidental, and it is not a number; it is essential.
I truly believe that a justice system is stronger when it protects those who have been made vulnerable. That is why I believe that this bill is a necessary step toward building a fairer, more humane and more dignified system for every Canadian.
It may be a small step for the legislative apparatus, but it is a huge step for every victim who, as of tomorrow, will finally get the explanation they have waited so long for. I encourage all members to participate in the study of this bill and to vote in favour of it.