Conservatives ignore Quebec’s concerns on C-10

OTTAWA — The Conservative government is showing no interest in modifying its omnibus crime bill, says the NPD, who is urging the government to adequately address the legitimate concerns of Quebec and other provinces.

Quebec’s Minister of Justice, Jean-Marc Fournier, proposed Tuesday in a meeting with his federal counterpart, Rob Nicholson, a series of amendments to Bill C-10 so that it corresponds to the values of Quebec, especially regarding the rehabilitation of young offenders.

Minister Nicholson however refused all of Fournier’s suggestions. Fournier said he was disappointed and dissatisfied with the meeting, even adding that it was only a “diversionary tactic” by the Conservatives.

In the face of such arrogance, New Democrat Deputy Critic for Justice Françoise Boivin is urging the Conservatives to listen to reason and study in greater detail the amendments requested by Quebec. She says she will continue working tirelessly to make this happen.

“Beyond ideology, science proves beyond any doubt that tougher penalties don’t work,” said the MP. “By using personal observations instead of experts’ reports, the Conservatives are ignoring reality and holding desperately onto their outdated approach. Even with a majority, the Conservatives have the moral obligation to listen in good faith to suggestions of the opposition and other citizens. That is what democracy is all about.”

Already, the NDP succeeded in retracting the gag rule that the Conservatives wanted to impose on the study of Bill C-10. As a result, two days of study in committee were scheduled this week.

“Without our hard work, Conservatives would have simply ignored our concerns on this bill and would have fast tracked it. We have to remain vigilant so Conservatives respect the fundamental principles of our democracy,” concluded Françoise Boivin.