QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Consultation with Black and Indigenous Canadians
March 16, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Gold, a few weeks ago the government introduced Bill C-22, an act that would repeal a number of mandatory minimum penalties. We have been fortunate enough in this chamber to have debated this topic many times thanks to Senator Pate’s Bill S-207. We know that mandatory minimum penalties distort our justice system by removing discretion from justices and that they have been a significant part of racism in the judicial system, in part in the over-representation of Black and Indigenous Canadians in prison.
Senator Gold, when working on a measure that is touted to help Black and Indigenous people, it would have been expected that the government would have engaged with stakeholders, leaders and individuals impacted by these systems. Did the government engage with Black and Indigenous Canadians before introducing this bill? Could you please name the specific groups and individuals who were consulted?
Senator Moodie, thank you for raising this issue. Having given me advance notice of the question, it allowed me to inquire with the government, and I’m pleased to report the following First, the government did hear from on-the-ground experts, advocates from Indigenous and Black communities, provincial and territorial partners, as well as members of its own Indigenous and Black caucuses on the necessary improvements in the criminal justice system. The government has also heard the calls for reform from organizations and commissions such as the Parliamentary Black Caucus, which includes senators and MPs, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
I’ve been further advised, honourable senator, that Bill C-22 does, in fact, reflect the variety of those views expressed. Finally, the government remains committed to advancing reforms in the criminal justice system that will deal with inequities in that system, while of course holding offenders to account and protecting victims.
In comment, Senator Gold, as part of the Parliamentary Black Caucus and having spoken to many of my colleagues, I am hard pressed to find a person who was actually consulted on this. Is the government taking any steps now that the bill has been introduced to engage with Canadians on this matter?
Honourable senator, with regards to your question, now that the bill has been introduced, I believe that it is in the parliamentary process, which is going to be the forum for its study and deliberations. I will make inquiries about any further engagement that the government may be contemplating and report back.
