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Decentralized Democracy

Larry Brock

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 3, 2023
Context: Committee Evidence - JUST-75 (JUST) - Oct/3/23
Mr. Larry Brock (Brantford—Brant, CPC)
  • 05:50:05 p.m.
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Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to all the witnesses in attendance. Let me use my brief opportunity here to publicly congratulate you, Minister, on your new role. I'm looking forward to having you appear on many occasions. I want to start off by discussing the narrative of your government, sir, and some talking points that you have used and that your predecessor, David Lametti, used to justify and sell, in my view, Bill C-48 as an important piece of legislation not only to restore public confidence in the administration of justice but also to make our communities safer. I've heard repeatedly in the House that one of the hallmarks of Bill C-48 is that you've listened. You listened to stakeholders, you listened to premiers, and you listened to chiefs of police and presidents of police associations in forming the specific language to tighten up the reverse onus provisions in the Criminal Code and to add to the reverse onus provisions in the Criminal Code. However, you'll agree with me, sir, that it wasn't just additional reverse onus provisions as they relate to additional firearms offences that these stakeholders were asking for. There was actually a laundry list of other items they asked for that did not find itself in Bill C-48. Not knowing what the agenda is from your department, I don't think you're bringing forward any legislation to even contemplate encompassing the other asks. With that being said, the provincial governments and the police associations have asked for a thorough review and reform of Canada's bail system. They asked for a definition of “serious prolific offender” or “repeat violent offender” within the confines of Bill C-48. They specifically asked that bail hearings for serious firearms offences be heard by a judge of a provincial court or a superior court as opposed to a justice of the peace, that obligations be strengthened with sureties and that there be consequences for failing obligations. My ask of you, with the limited amount of time that I have, sir, is why this government, why your department and why you personally have ignored those significant additional measures that the stakeholders are asking for to improve community safety and to restore confidence in our justice system.
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Context: Committee Evidence - JUST-75 (JUST) - Oct/3/23
Mr. Larry Brock
  • 05:54:48 p.m.
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I figured that my time would be up. Thanks.
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