QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Parole Eligibility
June 1, 2022
Honourable senators, my question, again, is for the government leader in the Senate.
Leader, a Supreme Court of Canada ruling last week, which struck down life without parole for mass murderers, means that the man who killed six people in a Quebec mosque in 2017 may be eligible to apply for parole. His lawyer called the court decision a glimmer of hope, yet the families of his victims live each and every day with the pain and loss of their loved ones.
On Friday, the Minister of Justice released a statement that read, “. . . we will respect the court’s decision and carefully review its implications and path forward.”
Leader, what does that mean? Why has the NDP-Liberal government completely ruled out a legislative response? What is your path forward? To just move on and let the victims fall by the wayside once again?
Thank you for your question, Senator Plett. First, the government wants to acknowledge the hurt and the anger that this decision may rekindle amongst all the victims of the horrific attack in Quebec City.
As you mentioned in your question, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Criminal Code provision that allows judges to order consecutive periods of parole ineligibility in cases of multiple murders is unconstitutional.
The government’s position was and is clear. The government supported a sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility where appropriate. However, the government will respect the court’s decision and is, as the minister said, carefully reviewing the implications and what the path forward may be.
Leader, the end of Minister Lametti’s statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling said, “We will continue to stand with those affected by this terrible crime and support them.”
Leader, how does leaving the position of Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime vacant since October 1 of last year show support for victims and their families? And how does letting the review of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights go two years overdue show support for victims and their families?
Thank you for your question. The government is engaged on both of these issues. When decisions are made with regard to the position and the bill of rights to which you referred, they will be communicated.
