MP McLeod Pleased with Debate on Young Offenders Legislation

March 19, 2010

Ottawa – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo was pleased to take part in today’s debate regarding Sébastien’s Law, which include amendments to the young offenders legislation to strengthen its handling of violent and repeat young offenders.

“This legislation will hold violent and repeat young offenders to account for their actions,” said McLeod. “It will also help ensure that the protection of society is given due consideration in sentencing these offenders.”

The bill is entitled Sébastien’s Law in memory of Sébastien Lacasse and to honour the dedication of his parents, Line and Luce. The Lacasse family and other courageous families have worked tirelessly as advocates for the rights of victims, to make a difference in the lives of others. In bringing forward this bill we are acknowledging all Canadian families who have lost loved ones in crimes involving youth violence.

The proposed amendments in Bill C- 4, would:

• make protection of society a primary goal of the legislation;
• simplify the rules to keep violent and repeat young offenders off the streets while awaiting trial, when necessary to protect society;
• require the Crown to consider seeking adult sentences for youth convicted of the most serious crimes: murder , attempted murder, manslaughter and aggravated assault. The Crown would also be required to inform the court if they chose not to apply for an adult sentence;
• enable the courts to impose more appropriate sentence on other violent and repeat offenders, as necessary in individual cases – to use existing sanctions in a way that would discourage an individual from offending again; to use a pattern of escalating criminal activity to seek a custodial sentence when necessary; to impose a custodial sentence for reckless behavior that puts the lives and safety of others at risk.
• require the courts to consider publishing the name of a violent young offender when necessary for the protection of society.

“It’s important to remember that this legislation would also ensure that offenders under the age of 18 who are sentenced to custody will be placed in youth facilities only, even if they receive an adult sentence,” stated McLeod.

“In the past we have had many youth across Canada who are simply not remediable to either rehabilitation or prevention and as a result have seen some horrific crimes. I was pleased to see today that the majority of opposition parties are supportive of this very necessary legislation,” concluded McLeod.