Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don't think it would be appropriate for me to send that message to the judiciary. If this Assembly feels strongly that the Canadian Government needs to make the laws tougher in this area, then I could certainly raise the issue at the next federal-provincial-territorial meeting of Justice Ministers with Minister Cotler. I believe he is the Minister of Justice now, so that would be the appropriate Minister with whom to discuss it. Or I could send a letter. It is exclusively an area of federal jurisdiction. I could certainly make this Legislative Assembly's feelings and concerns known to him, but it would be incumbent on the federal government to deal with the laws and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to be telling a judge that I thought sentencing should be more harsh.
Charles Dent on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on March 7th, 2005. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 6th, 2005
Page 1822
See context to find out what was said next.