House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
The Family June 13th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, if that is indeed what the Canadian Dictionary of Law says I am sure that for the purposes of that dictionary it is quite adequate.
I am sure also that, as the hon. member well knows, the English language is a rich and beautiful one which can be used and adapted to suit contexts as appropriate. I am sure the hon. member will bear that in mind.
The Family June 13th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I think I would refer the hon. member to a much more reliable source of dictionary definition than I can provide. I can tell her that those of us on this side of the House share her sentiments about the importance of family. It motivates what we do. It influences policies we develop. Strengthening the family is a fundamental objective of the government.
Insofar as a definition is concerned, we are quite happy to go with the commonly accepted definition. I commend the dictionary to the hon. member if she wants more detail than that.
Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 1994 June 10th, 1994
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-40, an act to correct certain anomalies, inconsistencies and errors in the Statutes of Canada, to deal with other matters of a non-controversial and uncomplicated nature in those statutes and to repeal certain provisions of those statutes that have expired, lapsed or otherwise ceased to have effect.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)
Clifford Olson June 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, before responding to the question, let me respond to the hon. member's assertion with respect to the justice system.
The criminal justice system in this country works very well indeed. That notwithstanding, the positions taken from time to time with respect to isolated cases are referred to in the House.
In response to the question, let me say that I fully agree it must be a fundamental part of the justice system that it responds equally regardless of the lifestyle of the victim. I would earnestly hope and expect that no matter what the lifestyle of the victim, allegations of crime are investigated and prosecuted and punished without reference to such a consideration.
Clifford Olson June 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have read the news report which has been summarized by the hon. member in her question but I know nothing more about it than was reported in the press.
The press report does raise troubling questions and I am certain that the solicitor general will want to consider the matter and inquire to determine the facts. I do not know that the premise upon which the question is based is factually correct, that is to say that the investigation was dropped because the victim was a prostitute. I know that was the suggestion in the news story.
I am sure the solicitor general will want to look into the facts and respond when they are known.
Justice June 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the measures that we will propose will be effective throughout all of Canada.
Justice June 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, very much so. May I say that it will also be part of our response to emphasize that the criminal justice system, while it has an important part in all of this, cannot by itself resolve the question of crime or respond to the concern of Canadians.
Ultimately this government recognizes that to meet those concerns to improve the quality of life in this country, to achieve the safe homes and safe streets of which we spoke last year, we must come to grips with the underlying causes of crime. We must have both an effective justice system that is enforced properly and a comprehensive strategy for crime prevention. That is the agenda of this government.
Justice June 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, in short, this government will be following through on its commitments made during last year's election campaign in which we dealt at length with steps we intend to take to achieve safe homes and safe streets, as we put it. The changes that were introduced last week with respect to the Young Offenders Act are the first example that I would proffer to the hon. member.
I may mention as well that in the days ahead we intend to table legislation that will significantly reform the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Code. We intend to bring forward a variety of other amendments to the code to make it more effective in terms of prescribing and enforcing the criminal law.
May I emphasize perhaps most of all the initiative that I expect the Solicitor General and I will be announcing in the coming weeks concerning the forging of a national strategy for crime prevention and the creation of a national crime prevention council, which I think is the most constructive response to the concern in the community to which the hon. member has referred.
Criminal Code June 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the review is being conducted within the Department of Justice.
On how much it is costing, I do not know that it is separately costed. I think it is part of the mainstream work of the department's professional staff but I can confirm that. As to what might become of the review, that is a matter for decision. No decision has yet been made whether proposals are going to be brought forward, whether discussion is going to be encouraged publicly, or whether a change is going to be proposed.
I can only respond by saying that like much of the justice system in general, that section is under consideration. No decision has yet been made whether a change will be proposed.
Criminal Code June 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that like most things involving the justice system, section 43 is under review in the Department of Justice.
I can also tell the hon. member that I know of no plan at present to propose a change to the section. If the situation should alter, I can let him know.