Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to express some concerns of my constituency about fair justice.
Mr. Speaker, we all know, unfortunately, that some of our young people get in trouble with the law. Some of those young people are first time offenders and fearful of the system. One of the biggest issues with encountering a new life situation, like trouble with the justice system, is that there may not be a clear understanding of the consequences of their behaviour.
Even though these young people may genuinely regret their actions and are motivated to better their lives, they may not have the skills or understanding to do so. This also poses challenges for the justice system itself, which aims at fairness and equal treatment. I believe that sentencing of our youth has to be clear and ensure that they do fully understand the consequences of not following out a conditional sentence.
One of the principles of fair justice is that trial and sentencing should happen without undue delay after charges have been laid. In the case of a conviction, the person must fully understand his or her sentence. Every effort has to be made in the courts and by corrections to explain the details of a sentence and later the conditions of the release. Many of these young adults would gladly turn their life back onto the right track. There have been cases where youth thought they were released and did not know the consequences of breaching their conditions and as a result now suffer a continued or even harsher sentence.
Community justice groups and community corrections are tasked to help with their rehabilitation back into society. We have to strengthen the existing system to give clients more support in re-establishing their lives in our communities. We must recognize that they do need help to find the path to a positive life.
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, our system does not always offer appropriate supports, particularly for young people who struggled through school and now are trying to understand our complicated legal system. Without adequate probation services and rehabilitation support, we fail these young persons, and they will end up back in the corrections system instead of leading a meaningful life in their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Members’ statements, the honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
