John Nunziata

[Division No. 12, October 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of York South—Weston, I will be voting in favour of the amendment.

(The House divided on the amendment, which was negatived on the following division:)

[Division No. 12, October 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, if I may clarify the matter. When you were requested to dispense, I clearly said no and members in this corner of the House heard me say no at the time. I wanted the motion read. If the motion is read, I am happy to give my consent to allow the previous vote to be applied.

[Division No. 12, October 21st, 1997]

I heard from the other side of the House that it is too late. In view of the fact that the members think it is too late I think a recorded vote would be needed.

[Division No. 12, October 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I would like the motion to be read.

[Division No. 12, October 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I do not believe the House has heard the question yet.

[Criminal Code, October 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, today I had the opportunity once again to introduce a bill in the House to repeal section 745 of the Criminal Code.

Section 745 gives the opportunity to convicted killers, both first degree murder and second degree murder, to apply to have their parole ineligibility reduced after serving only 15 years in prison.

It is outrageous that our criminal justice system should allow itself to be made a mockery of by section 745 of the code.

In its wisdom the last parliament passed a bill at second reading to repeal section 745. Regrettably the government dominated justice committee killed the bill at committee.

I urge all members of Parliament to expedite the passage of the bill to instil a bit of justice in our justice system.

[Criminal Code, October 21st, 1997]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-252, an act to amend the Criminal Code (judicial review).

Mr. Speaker, this is the third time I am introducing this bill in the House. This bill would repeal section 745 of the Criminal Code, and in the result all those convicted of murder would have to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before having the opportunity to seek parole.

In the last House this bill passed at second reading and it went to committee. I would hope that in this Parliament, the 36th Parliament, we will have the opportunity to have this bill debated again and ultimately passed by this House because that is the will of the people of Canada.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Questions On The Order Paper, October 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I ask that you seek unanimous consent to revert to the introduction of private bills.

I would like to apologize to the House. I was to introduce a bill today but I was delayed at the session on parliamentary reform in West Block.

[Supreme Court, October 1st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the prime minister.

Given the enormous power of the supreme court in setting public policy in Canada and given the fact the court often makes decisions that should be made by the House, will the prime minister agree that the appointment process for supreme court judges should include parliamentary ratification and, if so, will he refer today's appointment to the justice committee?

[Election Of Speaker, September 22nd, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on your election. As you know, over the years I have had considerable respect for you. I have considered you a friend. From the bottom of my heart, congratulations to you.

I would also ask that you seek the consent of the House to make your election unanimous.