Lost her last election, in 2006, with 39% of the vote.
Justice May 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we are working very closely with aboriginal communities all over the country, not only in relation to youth justice but other important justice issues.
We have held a number of workshops with aboriginal leaders and those who work with aboriginal young people. Just as in the case of Quebec, there is sufficient flexibility in the legislation to acknowledge the realities of aboriginal young people and the circumstances of their lives.
Justice May 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the member should be fully aware that we have made significant changes to the legislation, first, to reduce complexity and, second, to respond to many of the legitimate points made by witnesses at committee.
I come back to a basic fundamental point. The legislation is based upon the fundamental values of all Canadians: prevent youth crime, meaningful consequences when it occurs, and meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration of young people so they can get on with their lives.
Justice May 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we listened intently to many of the witnesses and all members of committee during the committee process. We made substantial amendments to the legislation in light of that which was brought forward at committee.
Young Offenders May 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the member says that no one supports our efforts in relation to new youth justice legislation in the province of Quebec, but in fact I am in receipt of a letter addressed to myself from the Barreau du Québec in which it supports our efforts focusing on youth rehabilitation and reintegration.
Young Offenders May 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, let me reassure everyone in the House that our new youth justice legislation is premised upon values shared by all Canadians regardless of where they live. In fact, those values are prevention, meaningful consequences, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Let me reassure the hon. leader of the Bloc that there is sufficient flexibility in our new youth justice legislation to permit Quebec to carry out the programs and policies it presently has in place.
Youth Criminal Justice Act May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the former chief justice of Canada, Brian Dickson, did not comment about any province having the right to opt out. What Brian Dickson was talking about was that within the context of uniform federal legislation in relation to youth justice, provinces could apply that legislation flexibly.
As I have said before in the House, we have worked very hard to ensure that the provinces have flexibility in the application of the new youth justice legislation.
Youth Criminal Justice Act May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I have said on numerous occasions in the House, our youth justice legislation is sufficiently flexible to permit the province of Quebec to continue the things that it is doing.
Therefore I think the legislation reflects the general comments made by the former chief justice of Canada, Brian Dickson.
Youth Criminal Justice Act May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, that is untrue. In fact, as the hon. member knows, we listened very carefully to the many dozens and dozens of witnesses that the committee heard. The government brought forward some 182 amendments to our youth criminal justice legislation.
I certainly take exception to the hon. member's comment about the legislation being unduly complex and onerous. We have done everything to streamline the legislation. Again I can only say that the legislation strikes the right balance in terms of youth criminal justice and reflects the values of most Canadians.
Youth Criminal Justice Act May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I find it somewhat interesting that my colleague, the attorney general of Ontario, came to Ottawa this morning and indicated some concerns with our youth criminal justice legislation when his officials had the opportunity to appear before committee but, as I understand it, refused to take that opportunity.
Let me say that we believe our new youth justice legislation is premised upon the values of Canadians and premised upon three important considerations. They are: prevention, meaningful consequences when crime occurs, and rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Over there they say it is too tough and over there they say it is too soft—
Canadian Human Rights Commission May 16th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I have every confidence that the senior management of the Canadian Human Rights Commission will address the serious concerns identified in the workplace study released last week.
Let me again reassure the House that I will be working with the human rights commission to ensure that we have a functioning, effective and efficient commission that can concentrate on protecting the rights of all Canadians.