Dave MacKenzie

[Criminal Code, January 29th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, the legislation is relatively new and certainly needed. Times have changed with respect to credit cards and many other forms of our cashless society. The police community will embrace the legislation. It is valid, it is good and will help in investigations.

I heard my colleague say earlier that he had been a victim of identity theft. Could he enlighten the House about what it means to be a victim of identity theft and what it means to try to get back all those things that once were secure but now are held by someone else? There are provisions within the bill for restitution to a victim, but could he illustrate what he has heard and what he knows about what it really takes to get all of one's identity back in place?

[Petitions, January 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition is from people from across southwestern Ontario. The petitioners request that Parliament consider restoring to the Criminal Code the prudence it held prior to 1968 by removing the words “after becoming human beings” from subsection 223(2).

[Petitions, January 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present two petitions to the House today. The first one is from a number of constituents in my riding of Oxford.

The petitioners request the government assembled in Parliament to immediately strengthen the Canadian Criminal Code to ensure that our nation's women and children are protected from the perpetrators of violence and sexual exploitation.

[Firearms, November 30th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, we have decided to defer the firearms marking regulation until December 1, 2009. Our decision to defer it will allow us to consult with law enforcement agencies and industry in order to look at all the options for marking and to examine similar initiatives in other countries.

[Firearms, November 30th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, on consultation with stakeholders and requests from Liberal MPs, the government decided to defer the firearms marking regulations until December 1, 2009.

[Correctional Service Canada, November 23rd, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my sincere condolences to Ashley Smith's family. We do take the death of an inmate very seriously and the loss of life at any time is tragic.

This incident is extremely disturbing and of serious concern. I expect it will be addressed in an expedient, efficient and sensitive manner, after which appropriate action will be taken.

The commissioner has appointed Dianne Brown as the new warden of Grand Valley Institution for Women. She will commence her duties on Monday, November 26.

[Royal Canadian Mounted Police, November 23rd, 2007]

As I said, Mr. Speaker, there are a number of ongoing investigations, including a number of provincial investigations. The minister has asked Mr. Paul Kennedy to bring back a report, which he will have on or before December 12. I think it is important we wait for that.

[Royal Canadian Mounted Police, November 23rd, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as I have already indicated, there are a number of ongoing reviews on this matter. I think the member, if he listened to my last answer, would understand that the minister has asked Mr. Paul Kennedy to bring back a report by December 12 on the use of the taser by the RCMP.

The hon. member has to also respect the jurisdictional issues that apply across the country.

[Public Safety, November 23rd, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as I have already indicated, the minister is not sitting on his hands. He has a report coming forward from Mr. Kennedy. It would be important to wait for that report. It only about three weeks away. The hon. member's comments may not be appropriate given that there are a number of investigations under way.

[Public Safety, November 23rd, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, there are a number of ongoing investigations into the use of the taser. We do sympathize with those people who have been involved in the incidents of tasering.

Yesterday, the parliamentary committee decided to also look at it. I think the Minister of Public Safety has asked Mr. Paul Kennedy to look into this matter and to report back to the minister by December 12. I think it is incumbent on us to wait.