Lost her last election, in 2006, with 39% of the vote.
Justice February 3rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, as I pointed out in response to a question yesterday from one of the member's colleagues, it is a very tragic and difficult circumstance. I have also indicated it is a case of specifics of which I cannot address. This is a matter that my colleague the attorney general of Quebec has chosen to appeal. We must await the outcome of the appeal.
Canada Evidence Act February 2nd, 1998
moved that Bill S-5, an act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code in respect of persons with disabilities, to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act in respect of persons with disabilities, and other matters, and to make consequential amendments to other acts, be read the first time.
(Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)
Judicial System February 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, in fact as I have already indicated, it was a very tragic circumstance. My colleague the attorney general of Quebec is appealing the case.
Perhaps in relation to the more general question of conditional sentencing, I can do no better than to quote my provincial colleague, John Havelock of the province of Alberta in referring to conditional sentencing: “I like the flexibility in conditional sentencing. As opposed to having the federal government developing some very specific guidelines, we can have the courts reacting to the needs of their respective communities across the country”.
Judicial System February 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, in fact the hon. member raises a very disturbing situation, a very disturbing and tragic case in Montreal last week. First let me point out that my colleague, the attorney general of Quebec, Mr. Ménard, is appealing that case. Obviously it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further in relation to the facts of the case.
The hon. member more generally speaks of conditional sentencing. I made it very plain in this House that conditional sentencing is a relatively new provision in our Criminal Code. Courts of appeal across this country are developing guidelines for lower courts and we must await the outcome of those cases before considering further action.
Gun Control December 11th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I would refer the hon. member to the opinions of the chiefs of police, the Canadian Police Association and victims groups from all across the country. They believe this law will be effective gun control and will lead to safer and more secure communities.
I would suggest that the hon. member look to those opinions.
Justice December 8th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, let me say again that my provincial colleagues and I had the opportunity to discuss this issue in Montreal last week. We have agreed in principle that conditional sentencing is working well. However, we have decided to monitor the use of conditional sentences very closely. I want to reassure the hon. member here this afternoon that if it becomes necessary to amend the provisions, I will do so.
Justice December 8th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows full well that it was never the intent of the conditional sentencing provisions introduced by my predecessor to apply to violent offenders or those guilty of sexual assault.
My provincial colleagues and I had the opportunity to discuss this issue on Thursday and Friday in Montreal. We have all agreed that we will continue to monitor the use of conditional sentences very closely.
Supreme Court Of Canada December 3rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as I have said on numerous occasions in the House, I believe the appointment process we have in this country has guaranteed 130 years of highly qualified jurists who have served in the Supreme Court of Canada.
What I have also said is that in my developing a list of qualified applicants for a position with the Supreme Court of Canada, I am willing to consult with any and all Canadians who are interested. Therefore, I would encourage the hon. member, other members of his party and other Canadians interested in this appointment to contact me directly.
Westray December 2nd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member raises the very important issue of the tremendous tragedy which took place at the Westray mine.
We received the final report of Mr. Justice Richard yesterday. My officials are reviewing that report. We will be reviewing that report in conjunction with other interested departments, including the departments of industry, HRD and others.
Justice December 2nd, 1997
As the hon. member should be aware, nothing that Mr. Justice Noble said yesterday impacts on the provisions in the Criminal Code that deal with second degree murder. There continues to be a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.
Yesterday counsel for Mr. Latimer argued that in the circumstances of that particular case the imposition of that punishment would constitute cruel and unusual punishment. However, Mr. Justice Noble made it plain that his decision was specific and those provisions of the code in question remain in full force and effect.