Supporting Victims and Putting the Safety of Canadian Families First

This past spring, the Conservative Government was able to pass a number of bills that support victims and put the safety of Canadian families first.

For example, we passed the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act; a bill to help ensure that the safety of communities and victims are paramount in the decision making process for those found not criminally responsible (NCR). It implements some common sense reforms, such as creating a “high-risk” designation which would block the release of those that may pose a danger to their victims or the general public, without jeopardizing their ability to receive treatment. It will also enhance victim involvement in the process and give them a more effective voice.

At the same time, we were able to introduce the landmark Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which permanently entrench the rights of victims into a single document at the federal level – a first in Canadian history. It will guarantee that the justice system recognizes a victims’ right to information, protection, participation and restitution.

Canadians can also be proud that our Government delivered two important pieces of legislation, the Fair Elections Act and the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, that will help safeguard our democracy and protect the value of Canadian citizenship.

Our Government has also continued to work hard this summer by staying focused on what matters most to Canadians. For example, The House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice conducted rare summer sittings to study the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (Bill C-36).

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The Act, introduced by the Minister of Justice in June, is in response to the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling in Canada v. Bedford. It ensures that Canada’s laws and the criminal justice system continue to address the significant harms that flow from prostitution to those engaged in prostitution and to other vulnerable persons, while protecting Canadian communities. It also makes prostitution illegal for the first time, targeting those who purchase sex and persons who exploit others through prostitution.

Prostitution hurts Canadian communities and the most vulnerable Canadians. We are therefore committed to protecting Canadian communities by making it illegal to sell sexual services in or near any public place where children could be present.

Conservative MPs on the Justice Committee acted this summer on this commitment by tabling a motion to criminalize prostitutes if they communicate for the purpose of selling sex next to a school, playground or daycare centre. Although NDP and Liberal Justice Committee members objected to this motion, the Conservative majority on the committee allowed it to pass.

Recognizing that the overwhelming majority of prostitutes are looking to leave this dangerous and harmful line of work, there is an emphasis in the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act on funding programs with a proven record of helping prostitutes exit the sex trade. Such measures are supported by $20 million in new funding, including support to grassroots organizations dealing with the most vulnerable prostitutes.

The Act will protect our communities – in particular women, children, and those who are at risk of being drawn into prostitution, from the dangers associated with prostitution, including violence, drug-related crime, and organized crime.

MP Randy Hoback
Prince Albert
Saskatchewan Conservative Caucus Chair