Criminal Code  Somebody not paying attention might think that amending the Criminal Code to prohibit offences such as theft and arson against cultural property protected during times of conflict is a reflection on our military. It is most certainly and definitely not a reflection on those brave men and women. Instead, it is a tragic recognition of reality that there are people who would steal or vandalize priceless objects in times of conflict.

Criminal Code  It amends the Criminal Code. It will allow us to prosecute Canadians who commit acts such as theft, arson and vandalism against significant cultural property abroad. Such acts are specifically prohibited under the second protocol and states who join that protocol must be able to prosecute those who commit them.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act  MLA Routley is calling on the provincial government to do an inventory of public buildings which could be used for emergency shelters for the homeless or converted to low income housing. We do not want to see people living in vacant buildings and then at risk should arson happen and the building burns down. There are a number of other initiatives in my riding. In April of this year a survey on homelessness was done in Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Working Group on Homelessness Issues interviewed 110 people.

Criminal Code  When such casualties are the result of either deliberate action or carelessness on the part of members of the public, then a true tragedy occurs. It is saddening to know there were 13,724 arson fires in Canada last year. I was alarmed that over 30%, or one-third, of fires in my home community of Surrey were as a result of arson. A high percentage of them contain booby traps.

Criminal Code  Now, with the bill before us, intimidation is rightly becoming a secondary designated offence. Arson causing damage to property and arson for fraudulent purpose are also secondary designated offences and are on the list. We are not surprised to see participation in activities of a criminal organization on the list.

Fisheries Act  My question was as follows: Mr. Speaker, in 2003, the Gullyfish processing plant in Shippagan was destroyed by arson. In 2004, the Oceanis plant in Shippagan closed. Now the Bluecove plant in Maissonnette has just closed. Since 2003, over 600 employees have been affected. My question is for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Fisheries  Mr. Speaker, in 2003, the Gullyfish processing plant in Shippagan was destroyed by arson. In 2004, the Oceanis plant in Shippagan closed. Now the Bluecove plant in Maissonnette has just closed. Since 2003, over 600 employees have been affected. My question is for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Bill S-37 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Cultural Property Export and Import Act

First Session, Thirty-eighth Parliament, 53-54 Elizabeth II, 2004-2005 STATUTES OF CANADA 2005CHAPTER 40 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Cultural Property Export and Import Act ASSENTED TO 25th NOVEMBER, 2005 BILL S-37 SUMMARY This enactment amends the Criminal Code to prohibit certain offences, including theft, robbery, mischief and arson against cultural property protected under the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Those amendments allow for the prosecution of such offences when committed outside Canada by Canadians.

Bill C-378 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violent crimes)

An offence under any of the following provisions of the Criminal Code: (a) section 74 (piracy by law of nations); (b) section 76 (hijacking); (c) section 77 (endangering safety of aircraft or airport); (d) paragraph 81(1)(a) or (b) (using explosives); (e) section 236 (manslaughter); (f) section 238 (killing unborn child in act of birth); (g) section 239 (attempt to commit murder); (h) section 246 (overcoming resistance to commission of offence); (i) section 248 (interfering with transpor­tation facilities); (j) section 273 (aggravated sexual assault); (k) section 279 (kidnapping and forcible confinement); (l) section 279.1 (hostage taking); (m) section 344 (robbery); (n) section 433 (arson — disregard for human life); and (o) paragraph 465(1)(a) (conspiracy to commit murder).   1. Une infraction prévue par l’une des dispositions suivantes du Code criminel : a) article 74 (piraterie d’après le droit des gens); b) article 76 (détournement); c) article 77 (atteinte à la sécurité des aéronefs ou des aéroports); d) alinéa 81(1)a) ou b) (usage d’explosifs); e) article 236 (homicide involontaire coupable); f) article 238 (fait de tuer, au cours de la  mise au monde, un enfant non encore né); g) article 239 (tentative de meurtre); h) article 246 (fait de vaincre la résistance à la perpétration d’une infraction); i) article 248 (fait de nuire aux moyens de transport); j) article 273 (agression sexuelle grave); k) article 279 (enlèvement et séquestration); l) article 279.1 (prise d’otage); m) article 344 (vol qualifié); n) article 433 (incendie criminel : danger pour la vie humaine); o) alinéa 465(1)a) (complot en vue de commettre un meurtre).       2.

Holocaust Remembrance Day  Anti-Semitism is on the rise worldwide. In Canada we have seen recent incidents of vandalism, graffiti, arson and desecration of graves. These expressions of hate are completely unacceptable in our free and democratic society. Incidents of hate against one community are felt by all Canadians, as these attacks threaten the very core Canadian values of diversity, equality, human dignity and fundamental human rights.

Criminal Code  I took up the cause of firefighter protection at the urging of the Surrey Firefighters Association, which has been lobbying to change the law since 1995. There were about 14,000 arson fires in Canada last year. I was alarmed to learn that over one-third of the fires in Surrey are the result of arson and a very high percentage of them contain booby traps. It is very disturbing.

Criminal Code  That is a true tragedy when these events occur. Using statistics, he noted there were 13,724 arson fires in Canada last year and 30% of the fires in his own riding were a result of arson. He acknowledged that firefighting is four times as hazardous as any other occupation. It is a job that commands the highest public trust and respect, more than any other profession.

Criminal Code  In 1990 parliament responded to the concerns of firefighters in regard to arson by making several amendments to the criminal code. The focus of the law shifted from crimes against property to the danger that arson poses to the life, safety and property of all Canadians and in particular to firefighters.

Criminal Code  When such casualties are the result of either deliberate action or carelessness on the part of members of the public, a true tragedy occurs. There were 13,724 arson fires in Canada last year. I was really alarmed to learn that over 30% of the fires in Surrey are the result of arson. A very high percentage of them contain booby traps. There have been arson fires in schools and fiery explosions in residential neighbourhoods.

Criminal Code  There are no provisions in the criminal code or any other statute of which I am aware that specifically address the line of duty death or injury of a firefighter when it is the result of a criminal act such as murder or arson. Putting additional penalties into the criminal code for murder or arson that results in the death of a firefighter might go some way to deterring people who are contemplating arson.