May 23, 2010

The Conservative Government is Strengthening Canada’s Youth Justice System

One of the most important responsibilities of government – any government, anywhere in the world – is to protect its citizens from criminals. Since taking office in 2006, our Conservative Government has taken action to protect families and communities by cracking down on crime with tougher sentences for criminals and more resources for Canada’s hard-working police officers.

Our Government is continuing to build on our actions with the introduction of Bill C-4, also known as Sébastien’s Law, in memory of Quebec teenager Sébastien Lacasse, whose life was tragically ended by a youth gang in 2004. Sébastien’s parents, Line and Luc, have worked tirelessly as advocates for the rights of victims, and we honour their dedication.

Our Conservative Government is committed to strengthening the Youth Criminal Justice Act in the way it deals with violent and repeat young offenders. Sébastien’s Law will help to make our streets safer by:

• Making protection of society a primary goal of the Act;
• Simplifying the rules to keep violent and repeat young offenders off the street while awaiting trial;
• Requiring prosecutors to consider seeking adult sentences for youth convicted of the most serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and aggravated assault;
• Enabling the courts to impose more appropriate sentences on other violent or repeat offenders when it is necessary in individual cases; and
• Requiring the courts to consider publishing the names of violent youth offenders when it’s necessary for the protection of society.

If passed by Parliament, Sébastien’s Law will help to make a real difference in communities across Canada. It will also reflect a balanced approach to youth justice by ensuring that young offenders who are sentenced to custody will only be placed in youth facilities, even if they receive an adult sentence.