QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Violence against Women
October 2, 2025
Honourable senators,
Her name was Gabie Renaud. She was killed in early September, and her body was found last weekend in her apartment in Saint-Jérôme.
Her partner has been charged with murder. Over the past 20 years, Johnathan Blanchet has accumulated roughly 30 charges for violent crimes, most often committed in a context of domestic violence, and others for failing to comply with the conditions imposed on him. This is the result of a system that promotes revolving doors and “Netflix sentences.”
Do you acknowledge that your government’s laxity and naivety over the past ten years have turned Canada’s correctional system into a massive revolving door?
Senator Carignan, as I’ve already said, when the justice system is described in negative terms, it undermines public confidence in that system and in the courts. I believe that our role, not only as senators but also as lawyers — since you’re also a lawyer — is to support the justice system across Canada.
Releases are granted by an independent board, the Parole Board of Canada. Furthermore, the Minister of Justice has already indicated that he plans to amend the Criminal Code to strengthen the criteria convicted persons will have to meet to obtain parole.
If Canadians were asked to listen to your answer to my question, they would lose confidence in the system because you’re refusing to acknowledge the existence of problems. As a result, you’re not looking for solutions and we’re left with a system that doesn’t work. The government is struggling to protect Canadian women, both old and young, in the face of repeated tragedies, including femicides. My question is this: What does your government intend to do to keep Canadian women safe? Based on the type of response you’ve been giving me, I can anticipate your answer: nothing.
You shouldn’t try to anticipate my answers, Senator Carignan. I will come up with them myself, if you don’t mind. The government takes femicide very seriously, as it does any situation that puts Canadians’ safety at risk. The Minister of Justice indicated that he plans to strengthen the Criminal Code, mainly to address such situations. The courts are there to enforce the Criminal Code. I believe that it is also your duty to support the courts in their work.
