GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES AMENDMENTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUNG OFFENDERS LEGISLATION

"Sébastien's Law" focuses on violent and repeat young offenders

OTTAWA , March 16, 2010 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M. P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the introduction of amendments to the young offenders legislation to strengthen its handling of violent and repeat young offenders. He was joined in the announcement by the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, Senator.

“The amendments introduced today will give Canadians greater confidence that violent and repeat young offenders will be held accountable,” said Minister Nicholson.“They will help ensure that the protection of society is given due consideration in sentencing these offenders.”

“These amendments are entitled Sébastien’s Law, in memory of Sébastien Lacasse, and to honour the dedication of his parents, Line and Luc,” said Minister Paradis. “The Lacasse family and other courageous families have worked tirelessly as advocates for the rights of victims, to make a difference in the lives of others. In bringing forward These amendments we are acknowledging all Canadian families who have lost loved ones in crimes involving youth violence.”

The proposed amendments would:

• make protection of society a primary goal of the legislation;
• simplify the rules to keep violent and repeat young offenders off the streets while awaiting trial, when necessary to protect society;
• require the Crown to consider seeking adult sentences for youth convicted of the most serious crimes – murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and aggravated sexual assault. The Crown would also be required to inform the court if they chose not to apply for an adult sentence;
• enable the courts to impose more appropriate sentences on other violent and repeat offenders, as necessary in individual cases – to use existing sanctions in a way that would discourage an individual from offending again; to use a pattern of escalating criminal activity to seek a custodial sentence when necessary; to impose a custodial sentence for reckless behaviour that puts the lives and safety of others at risk; and
• require the courts to consider publishing the name of a violent young offender when necessary for the protection of society.

Regarding the requirement to consider adult sentences for youth convicted of the most serious crimes, the provinces and territories will still have the discretion to set the age at which this requirement would apply.

The amendments would also ensure that offenders under the age of 18 who are sentenced to custody will be placed in youth facilities only, even if they receive an adult sentence.

“Our government is proud to stand up for the rights of victims and law-abiding citizens,” said Senator Boisvenu. “Today we have taken an important step forward in strengthening our youth criminal justice system. We are helping ensure that justice will be served, and that Canadians will be protected from violent and repeat offenders.”

An online version of the amendments will be available at www.parl.gc.ca.

Backgrounder: Sébastien’s Law

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Ref.:

• Pamela Stephens
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Minister of Justice
  613-992-4621

• Media Relations
  Department of Justice
  613-957-4207