On September 20, Parliament will resume and, as we have been, our Conservative Government will remain focused on fiscal restraint as our number one priority. Canada's economy has grown in nine of the past ten months, clear evidence that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working. However, the global economic recovery remains fragile, and that’s why creating jobs and protecting Canada's economic advantage remains our government's focus.
I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on some of the things our Conservative Government will be working on over the next several months.
JUSTICE LEGISLATION
I am looking forward to the continuation of our government’s important work on Justice issues, as part of our commitment to put the rights of victims and law-abiding citizens ahead of the rights of criminals, and make sure the punishment fits the crime. These measures include:
Protecting the Public from Violent Young Offenders (Bill C-4)
This bill will amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act to make ‘protection of society’ the primary goal, by:
- Simplifying the rules to keep violent and repeat young offenders off the streets while awaiting trial;
- Requiring the Crown to consider seeking adult sentences for youths convicted of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault, and to provide reasons if they choose not to apply for an adult sentence; and
- Requiring the courts to consider publishing the names of violent young offenders when necessary for the protection of society.
Ending House Arrest for Serious Crimes (Bill C-16)
This bill would eliminate the use of house arrest for any crime punishable by a maximum sentence of 14 years or life, and any crime punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years which results in bodily harm, involves the sale or production of drugs or is committed with the use of a weapon.
Such offences include: aggravated assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, arson, human trafficking, theft over $5000, fraud, failure to stop at scene of accident causing death, street racing causing death, robbery or break and entry to steal a firearm, hostage taking and luring a child.
Protecting Children from Online Sexual Exploitation (Bill C-22)
- This bill will apply to suppliers of internet services to the public, including those who provide email services, internet content hosting services and social networking sites. It would require them to:
- Report, to a designated agency, tips they receive regarding web sites where child pornography may be available to the public; and
- Notify police and safeguard evidence if they believe that a child pornography offence has been committed using an internet service that they provide.
Repeal of the Long Gun Registry:
On September 22nd, Members of Parliament will vote on the future of the long gun registry. I look forward to joining my Conservative colleagues in voting to scrap this wasteful and ineffective program. Unfortunately, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has ordered his caucus to ignore their campaign promises to respect the concerns of law-abiding farmers and hunters and instead vote to keep the registry, and NDP leader Jack Layton has announced his party will introduce a “compromise bill” on the registry. In effect, the Coalition Opposition has made it clear that they intend to keep the wasteful and ineffective $2 billion long-gun registry, and ignore the voice of rural Canadians.
SENATE REFORM
Canadians have clearly expressed their desire for Senate reform, and our government is committed to a modern, accountable and elected Senate. Our Government will continue our efforts to create a modern, accountable and elected Senate that better reflects a 21st century democracy, through legislation such as the:
Senate Term Limits (Bill C-10)
This bill would set fixed, 8-year term limits for all new Senators and for all Senators appointed since the 2008 election, and the terms would not be renewable.
Selection of Senators (Bill S-8)
This bill encourages the provinces and territories to establish a framework for electing nominees for Senate appointments. It would then require the Prime Minister to consider all nominees submitted by a province or territory following an election.
Prime Minister Harper has repeatedly stated that he will appoint all nominees elected by provinces or territories. Alberta is the only province with an elected Senator, and one of only two provinces with a Senate nominee election framework (Saskatchewan also has a framework in place).
Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with your questions, concerns, and advice!
Leon Benoit, MP
Vegreville-Wainwright
