Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to speak to Bill C-246, an act to amend the Criminal Code concerning consecutive sentences for sexual offences. It is a private member's bill brought forward by the hon. member for Lethbridge.
The bill would replace the existing Criminal Code provision that requires sentencing courts to impose consecutive sentences in child sexual offences cases with one that would require consecutive sentences for all other sexual offences. In cases where an offender is already serving a sentence for a sexual offence, it would require a new sentence for a sexual offence to run consecutively to the sentence the offender is already serving.
I appreciate the sponsor's aim of signalling the seriousness of sexual offences by requiring mandatory consecutive sentences in cases involving multiple sexual offence convictions. I would note, however, that Bill C-246 is the wrong approach. It is unconstitutional and overly rigid, and it would not make Canadians safer.
The bill seeks to force judges to stack consecutive sentences for all sexual offences, including those that already carry mandatory minimum penalties. The Supreme Court, in cases such as Senneville, has emphasized that judges must consider reasonable hypotheticals when determining when a sentence is grossly disproportionate. The Court of Appeal of Quebec, in the Vera Camacho case, struck down part of the existing consecutive sentencing framework for sexual offenders against children because it would result in sentences that are grossly disproportionate and unconstitutional.
Nonetheless, the Conservatives propose to expand this fragile provision to include adult sexual offences. This approach is reckless. It would remove judicial discretion entirely, prevent judges from applying the totality principle, risk grossly disproportionate global sentences, discourage early guilty pleas, lengthen trials unnecessarily and put increased pressure on provincial courts and correctional facilities, all without any evidence that it would reduce re-offending.
This is why our government has adopted a different, evidence-based and constitutionally sound approach. Through Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act, we would strengthen the justice system while keeping victims at the centre and core of our focus. How would the bill do that? One way is with tougher bail rules. Bill C-14 would make it harder for serious sexual offenders to be released before trial, and it would introduce a reverse onus for assault and sexual assault involving choking, suffocation or strangulation behaviours linked to the escalation to homicide.
Second, it would end house arrest for serious sexual offences. Conditional sentences have been proven insufficient for serious sexual offences, particularly those involving children. Bill C-14 would ensure that offenders serve sentences reflecting the gravity of their crimes. Third, with respect to consecutive sentences for repeat offenders, as mentioned before by the hon. member from the Bloc, Bill C-14 would allow judges to consider consecutive sentences for repeat violent sexual offenders while preserving discretion to ensure that outcomes remain proportionate, fair and constitutional.
These measures reflect our commitment to victim-centred, charter-compliant reforms. Unlike the Conservatives, who prioritize ideology over evidence, we are strengthening public safety without creating legal chaos. Let us also remember Bill C-2, which would equip police with the lawful tools they need in order to catch predators before they commit crimes.
Survivors, as well as families of victims, have been telling us that about the need for less-toxic rhetoric around intimate-partner violence, and they urge Parliament to act responsibly. As one example, yesterday the House unanimously adopted Conservative Bill C-225, about fighting intimate-partner violence, as we intend to amend the bill in the justice committee and strengthen it to protect women who act in self defence from being wrongfully charged with first-degree murder. This is the spirit in which we have shown we can work together to protect Canadians and their lives.
Unfortunately, the Conservatives continue to delay critical legislation, wasting committee time debating irrelevant matters while women's organizations across the country have called for urgent action. As such, I ask the member opposite this: Will she support passing these bills before the House rises?
Furthermore, before the House rises, the minister will table legislation addressing gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, child protection and court delays. These measures are crafted with victims in mind, reflecting their lived experiences and the realities they face. We hope the Conservatives will refrain from obstruction and join us in supporting our legislation.