Major Hoeft shared her concern with members of the committee that a youth who appears before a youth justice committee will be obliged to admit guilt, thereby contravening the justice principle that an individual should not be forced to self-incriminate.

Members brought this concern to the attention of the Minister.

The Minister's staff assured the committee that any youth who come before a youth justice committee will not have to admit guilt, per se, but will have to "accept responsibility." From a legal perspective, accepting responsibility is not the same as admitting guilt.

The Minister's staff stated any youth unwilling to "accept responsibility" is under no obligation to appear before a youth justice committee, and could instead appear before a court. Youth justice committees are an option for youth who are prepared to accept responsibility and who prefer an alternative to court regarding consequences.

The committee was satisfied youth will be protected from self-incrimination under the new legislation, and did not seek an amendment.