March 17, 2010
Canada’s Government is Strengthening Canada’s Youth Justice System
Our Government is continuing to build on our actions with Bill C-4, also known as “Sébastien’s Law” in memory of Quebec teenager Sébastien Lacasse, whose life was tragically ended by a youth gang in 2004. Sébastien’s parents, Line and Luc, have worked tirelessly as advocates for the rights of victims, and we honour their dedication.
Our Government is committed to strengthening the Youth Criminal Justice Act in the way it deals with violent and repeat young offenders. Sébastien’s Law will help to make our streets safer by:
- Making protection of society a primary goal of the Act;
- Simplifying the rules to keep violent and repeat young offenders off the street while awaiting trial;
- Requiring prosecutors to consider seeking adult sentences for youth convicted of the most serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and aggravated assault;
- Enabling the courts to impose more appropriate sentences on other violent or repeat offenders when it is necessary in individual cases; and
- Requiring the courts to consider publishing the names of violent youth offenders when it’s necessary for the protection of society.
