Madam Speaker, the incarceration of offenders under the Criminal Code for serious offences -- under which most of these types of offences would fall because of the length of sentence under the federal government that extend for more than two years -- automatically become a federal responsibility. I believe the federal government is looking at how to deal with repeat offenders, high-risk offenders and those offenders who are incarcerated who will be released at some time or other to the public.

During the last election, it was clear that the number one priority that the Canadian people have put on the justice system of Canada is to minimize the risk to the public of individuals who are offenders. They want Canada to look at the question of whether individual rights of people should be curtailed in the public interest. For instance, if there is a chronic abuser of little children -- someone who has been known to abuse or kill little children for sexual pleasure -- the question is should that person ever be released. And, if so, how that serves the public interest. We know, without a doubt, that it would only be a matter of time before they repeat the same offence.

The federal minister is looking at that question and has asked for some input. We are having ongoing discussions on that. Thank you.