Lost his last election, in 2008, with 29% of the vote.
Child Pornography February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, we have been working very diligently with respect to the matter of child pornography within this country.
We have some of the toughest child pornography laws in the world. The fact is that we have more legislation before the House in Bill C-20, again increasing penalties and providing more limitations on defences against those who would be involved in child pornography. The reality is the government is working hard to protect its children and it will continue to do so.
Justice February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as I have clearly said today in the House, conditional sentencing serves a very good purpose within our judicial system.
There are exceptional cases. There are cases that need to be attended to and looked at. The minister has raised this with the justice committee. In fact, the standing committee is looking at that matter now and will bring a report to the House. Then we will do a proper assessment as to whether there should be changes.
Justice February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as I previously mentioned, conditional sentencing is one area that we have used over the last six years with some degree of success.
Clearly, it seems that the courts are finding ways to use it successfully. There has been an experience that has indicated that about 17% of people who would otherwise have been incarcerated are effectively dealt with through this process.
We are concerned about the victims, but in fact, we have to look at the entire program. The committee is now doing so and we await its report.
Justice February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member would take a look at Bill C-20 he will see that we are increasing the penalties and sending a message to the courts as to how serious we believe this matter is.
I think it is very important that we remember that it is not the Minister of Justice who hands out the sentence, it is the judge in the court. We have to send the message. We are sending a message through Bill C-20.
Child Pornography February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the introduction of Bill C-20 was clearly brought forward to deal with matters of this nature.
Specifically, Bill C-15A, which is already in force, is being acted upon and will be used in matters of this kind, for it will not only allow for a better prosecution process, but will allow a judge to remove all of that material from the computer database.
We believe that we are doing the job. We will get it done and make sure that child pornographers do not get a foothold there.
Justice February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court of Canada says that there is denunciation through this process within conditional sentencing.
There is no question that we are in the process of reviewing the matter, but the fact is that it has been quite effective in denunciating this type of activity.
When the committee reports back, we will see what action needs to be taken, if any, with respect to conditional sentencing, but we believe conditional sentencing is working.
Justice February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, clearly we are saddened when we see examples of this nature, but the reality is that conditional sentencing over the past six years has been excellent and has worked very well.
What the justice minister has asked the committee on justice and human rights to do is to take examples of this nature and look at the entire matter of conditional sentencing and bring recommendations back to him. The committee is meeting at the present time.
Justice February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, it is very important that the hon. member understand that we are taking many important steps and that all of these steps, when put together, are very effective in dealing with child pornography.
We have brought forward legislation in Bill C-20 that brings only one defence against child pornography. We have taken away the defence of artistic merit. In fact, it is going to be a very effective way of dealing with those who would be child pornographers. We are here to protect our children.
Justice February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, our child pornography laws are among the toughest in the world, unquestionably so. We have continued to follow up. For example, Bill C-15A is now in force and deals with Internet luring. We have increased penalties within proposed Bill C-20. I think we are doing a fine job. We are doing our utmost to protect those children, who are a priority with this government.
National Crime Prevention Centre February 11th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to bring to the attention of all hon. members the outstanding work being undertaken by the National Crime Prevention Centre.
This organization provides funding to groups across Canada that strive to make our communities safer places to work and live. Through its four main programs, the business action program on crime prevention, the community mobilization program, the crime prevention investment fund, and the crime prevention partnership program, the NCPC is an integral part of our government's strategy to create a safe environment for all Canadians.
I ask all members to join me in recognizing the many community groups across Canada that have taken advantage of the National Crime Prevention Centre's outstanding programming. In combination with legislative initiatives, including those currently before the House, this initiative is critical in helping to protect Canadians and further our government's work to stop crime before it starts.