Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm glad to hear that the Minister isn't proposing such barbaric measures as cutting off young offenders' hands to the federal government. But, I think, Madam Speaker, perhaps what we need to do is look at the reason why people shoplift in the first place. There are several reasons. It gives some a sense of power. They feel they're controlling the situation. It can become an addiction, like taking a drug. And, often, it's done on a dare. They think it's funny or it's a joke. Or, perhaps they're doing it because they're neglected and breaking the law gives them attention they don't get from their parents or in their home situation.
If, as I suspect, Madam Speaker, shoplifting is a symptom of a much deeper social problem, does the Department of Justice ensure that those who do get to the courts right now and are convicted receive adequate counselling to help them deal with their problems?