Government of Canada Continues With its Review of the Youth Criminal Justice Act

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTH WEST TERRITORIES–(EMWNews – Aug. 21, 2008) – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, will today hold a roundtable discussion in Yellowknife on the functioning of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). The roundtable is part of the Minister’s cross-country tour to meet key youth justice stakeholders and partners in all regions of Canada to seek their input on improvements to the YCJA.

“I welcome the views of those concerned with youth justice as efforts are made to ensure the YCJA works fairly and effectively for all Canadians,” said Minister Nicholson. “Our youth criminal justice system must effectively hold young law-breakers accountable for their crimes by imposing meaningful consequences.”

Minister Nicholson announced the YCJA review in October, 2007. Since then, he has met with his provincial and territorial counterparts as well as youth and partner organizations across the country. The Government of Canada is seeking the input of provinces and territories as they play a key role in administering the YCJA.

On Tuesday, Minister Nicholson held a roundtable discussion with his territorial counterparts and stakeholders in Nunavut. On Friday he will participate in a roundtable meeting in the Yukon to complete the series of provincial and territorial roundtables.

In addition to the YCJA review, the Government of Canada has tabled legislation to amend the YCJA to include deterrence and denunciation as principles of sentencing and to strengthen provisions related to pre-trial detention. These new measures will protect communities from youth who pose a significant risk to public safety.

“Canadians want action on youth crime now. That’s what this government has committed to and that’s what we will deliver,” said Minister Nicholson. “In addition to sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crime, youth must also have meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation.”

In keeping with its commitment to community safety, along with its plan to strengthen the YCJA, the Government of Canada has also:

– Passed into law the comprehensive Tackling Violent Crime Act that aims to better protect youth from sexual predators, protect society from dangerous offenders, get serious with drug-impaired drivers and toughen sentencing and bail for those who commit serious gun crimes;

– Passed legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of street racing;

– Passed legislation to end conditional sentences for serious personal injury offences;

– Introduced a National Anti-Drug Strategy, including legislation that would provide mandatory jail time for serious drug crimes;

– Invested in community projects across Canada that focus on youth;

– Tabled legislation to protect Canadians against identity theft; and

– Tabled legislation to tackle property theft, including the serious crime of auto theft;

For further information about the youth criminal justice system and the YCJA visit www.justice.gc.ca/youth.

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Internet: www.canada.justice.gc.ca