Mr. Speaker, as the member is aware, specific bodies do exist to handle complaints regarding the conduct of the police. As has been said many times before, we encourage anyone who has a complaint to direct their concerns to the appropriate body.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 47% of the vote.
Public Safety February 28th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, as the member is aware, specific bodies do exist to handle complaints regarding the conduct of the police. As has been said many times before, we encourage anyone who has a complaint to direct their concerns to the appropriate body.
Public Safety February 18th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, in fact, this government has put a great deal of money into this whole program. We are working with law-abiding Canadians who selflessly give their time to coach and volunteer with vulnerable groups such as children. That is why we are pleased to announce the live scan technology will reduce waiting time for the vulnerable sector checks. It is good news for volunteers and vulnerable Canadians who deserve the best protection possible.
Taxation February 18th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I can tell the member that the victims of Earl Jones and other large frauds wonder what that party did for 13 years. They wonder what that party is doing right now on Bill C-59 and why those members did not support the bill.
It is high time that members listened to their constituents. I know that Senator Larry Smith is listening to constituents. I wish the Liberals would.
Taxation February 18th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, this is ironic. This issue came up in the House this week with Bill C-59. The victims of Earl Jones have been very clear on their expectations of the party opposite. They have been sadly let down. They were the first to tell us that.
I wish the member would have stood in his place and supported Bill C-59, but he remained silent.
Disposition of Abolition of Early Parole Act February 14th, 2011
Madam Speaker, this is an interesting debate. The debate began on Friday.
It is interesting because the Liberal members' problem with the bill is that they want some credit for it from some time ago. I do not know if it was good enough for them two years ago and it is not good enough today, or something similar, but it all seems to be about credit. The NDP members who were opposed to it seem to be opposed to it because other people besides white collar criminals were included, but this applies only to people who have been convicted of criminal offences. Somehow the victims are always missed in the discussions on the other side.
I wonder if the minister would elaborate on the fact that victims are missed, and it is only people who have been convicted of criminal offences to whom it applies.
Disposition of Abolition of Early Parole Act February 11th, 2011
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question from my colleague who is also a former police officer and has dealt with both sides of this issue, including victims.
My friend from the NDP mentioned some 1,500 who are incarcerated and might be eligible for this. I have news for him. There are thousands of victims out there, and, as my friend said, these victims who are serving a life sentence. For many of these people, it was their total savings that they had planned for retirement. I know many of them had to give up their homes and are living in a state of poverty that was not of their doing. It was by reason that they trusted these people who took advantage of them, people who they thought were friends and for some they were relatives.
I do not know why anybody would want these people to get the advantage that is currently offered, nor do I understand why they would not support this bill going forward.
Disposition of Abolition of Early Parole Act February 11th, 2011
Madam Speaker, once again, the NDP always supports the criminals. There is nobody in prison that has not been convicted of a criminal act.
What we are talking about is criminals doing their time in jail. That is what Canadians expect. In particular, we are dealing here with a number of issues, but I do not know why the NDP and, in this case, the Liberals want to stand up for the rights of criminals but not the rights of victims.
That is what this is all about. It is about victims and justice truly being done. I do not understand the position of either of those two parties. I certainly appreciate the support we are seeing on this from the Bloc.
Disposition of Abolition of Early Parole Act February 11th, 2011
Madam Speaker, to be very frank, these victims are feeling very much violated, in the same manner as people who are victims of violent criminal acts. Frequently they are older people and it is their whole life savings. Many of them have contemplated very drastic measures to themselves as a result of the frauds committed by these people. They have been drained of their whole life's savings. They have lost their trust in society. They have lost their trust in individuals. They blame themselves for these things. I cannot understand why any party in the House would not support this bill and get it passed quickly so that these people are not victimized again.
Disposition of Abolition of Early Parole Act February 11th, 2011
Madam Speaker, I do know that this bill is before this House today and that the Liberals and the NDP took time this morning so that this did not get debated. I do know there are victims across this country who are waiting for this legislation. I wish the members opposite would get on-board and support this party and the Bloc on this bill and get it done quickly.
Disposition of Abolition of Early Parole Act February 11th, 2011
Madam Speaker, I feel very bad that the Liberal Party has no concern for victims. I met with some of the victims of these frauds. They are elderly people who almost feel like they have sexually abused and that party refuses to support those victims.
I am happy to stand with my colleagues in the Bloc on this matter. They understand the importance of protecting the interests of victims.