Madam Speaker, my colleague is correct in saying that the responsibility for fighting crime and managing the justice system does not fall solely to the federal government. It is shared with the provincial governments.
However, I want members to understand that if we set an example by doing what needs to be done here, it may help the provinces follow suit. If the government fills all the judicial vacancies, the provinces will follow suit. However, it is important to note that the provinces lack funds. The money is here in Ottawa, but the needs are in the provinces. Building courthouses, opening courtrooms, paying clerks and bailiffs: that all costs money. I think it is important to take that into account during the federal-provincial negotiations around transfers.
As I have often said, we are neglecting our judicial system, yet it is the backbone of society. The day our citizens lose confidence in that system, we will regret it.