Protecting society from violent and repeat young offenders

February 01, 2010

Ottawa, ON:  Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, stated that the federal government is preparing to adjust the laws pertaining to young offenders to ensure the protection of all society. “I am pleased that our government will has proposed measures to fix the way in which the young offenders system deals with violent and repeat young offenders” said Benoit.

Benoit explained that the proposed reforms will focus on three specific areas of the current system.

“All too often, the current system is powerless in keeping repeat young offenders in custody while awaiting trial, even when they pose a danger to society” said Benoit. “We will be simplifying the rules to keep these offenders off the streets, when necessary.”

“Currently, a youth of 14 or older may commit the most serious crimes including murder or aggravated sexual assault, and be punished with a sentence that is significantly shorter than what Canadians expect for these crimes” said Benoit. He added that the proposed reforms would:

• require the courts to consider adult sentences for those convicted of these serious crimes when the circumstances require it;
• still allow provinces and territories the discretion to set the age at which one would still be considered a ‘young offender’; and
• ensure that offenders under the age of 18 will not serve their sentence in an adult facility if they receive an adult sentence.

“Under the current system, a youth convicted of a serious violent offence can be released into the community anonymously” explained Benoit.  “For example, parents may have no way of knowing that a convicted sex offender is in the area. In cases like these, the courts must be granted greater discretion to publish the names of young offenders, for the protection of our society.”

“I fully support the proposed reforms dealing with violent and repeat young offenders” concluded Benoit. “Our Conservative government will continue to act in the interests of law-abiding Canadians.”