Vic Toews

[Canadian Security Intelligence Service, March 25th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as has been indicated many times in this House, when the redaction of documents is done, it is done at an arm's length from the government by senior public servants, in the same way that the previous Liberal government did it. I will look into this particular matter, but I can assure the member that any redaction that was done was done by senior public servants at an arm's length from the government.

[Public Safety, March 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, my predecessor did indeed indicate that he would look into the matter. I will get back to the member. However, I find it passing strange that that member from that party would stand up and indicate that those members are concerned about pedophiles when, in fact, they voted against a bill that would strengthen penalties for pedophiles.

[Public Safety, March 18th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank that member for his very hard work on this particular file. This morning I was pleased to have tabled in the House legislative amendments to the International Transfer of Offenders Act. Canadians want a corrections system that protects the safety of victims and law-abiding Canadians.

This act will ensure that the protection of our society is of paramount consideration when assessing requests for the transfer of international offenders. Our government remains committed to holding offenders accountable for their actions in Canada and abroad, and we will continue to put the rights of victims over those of criminals.

[Public Safety, March 17th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his support and hard work on this important file.

I am very pleased to announce that today in the Senate, we have introduced a bill regarding protecting victims from sex offenders. This bill will strengthen the national sex offender registry and the national DNA data bank. It also includes important measures to ensure that sex offenders are properly identified so that police have the tools to do their job.

Our Conservative government has listened to the concerns raised by law enforcement and victims' groups, and we have taken action. When last in the House, the opposition decided to support this bill. We are calling on Liberals in the Senate to do the same.

[Public Safety, March 15th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his support and hard work on this very important file.

Canadians expect that the federal government's response to an emergency will be seamless and that key decisions can be made quickly and effectively when disaster strikes.

That is why today this Conservative government has released a federal emergency response plan. This plan provides an integrated response for emergency management. Furthermore, this plan also takes the important step of coordinating responses across levels of government and private organizations.

Canadians can be assured that we are taking care of their safety.

[Public Safety, March 8th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for all his support and hard work on these files.

Yesterday the government listed al-Shabab as a terrorist group under the Criminal Code of Canada. This is a strong commitment that this government will not tolerate terrorism and is determined that terrorist groups do not receive support from Canadian sources. Listing this group is another example of how we will not dither on taking decisive action to protect Canadians and make our communities safe. Again, our government is showing leadership.

[Firearms Registry, March 8th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we are indeed moving to dismantle the long gun registry. It is a waste of Canadian taxpayer money. We are in fact working together with the police forces and other agencies.

I find it passing strange that the member would talk about a lack of protection for children when it was her party that voted against stiffer sentences for pedophiles.

[Firearms Registry, March 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed our position that the long-gun registry does not serve a valuable purpose, that it is in fact a waste of taxpayers' money.

We will continue to work with police chiefs and with police right across this country in order to ensure that we take effective and strong measures to deal with criminals.

[Supplementary Estimates (B), December 10th, 2009]

And five or more members having risen:

[Supplementary Estimates (B), December 10th, 2009]

Mr. Chair, I can assure the member that the form of the bill is essentially the same as that passed in the previous supply period.