Discussion · Government Orders
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal
“We should pass this bill. It follows Justice Arbour's recommendations by moving military cases to civilian courts, which is what victims asked for. I want the member to explain why it is important to follow through on this report.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments from my colleague in regard to the significance of the legislation. In Justice Arbour’s report, there were 48 recommendations. I believe we have implemented 36 of those recommendations, or possibly more. The essence of this legislation would be to implement the core of what Justice Arbour was asking us to do: transfer jurisdiction to the civilian process. She consulted, listened to and worked with, directly and indirectly, well over 1,000 people, I suspect. Many of them were direct victims. We need to be respectful of the legislation that is before us, and ultimately pass it. Could the member provide his thoughts in regard to why it was important not only to receive the report from Justice Arbour but also to follow through with it? That is exactly what the legislation would do.”
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments from my colleague in regard to the significance of the legislation. In Justice Arbour’s report, there were 48 recommendations. I believe we have implemented 36 of those recommendations, or possibly more. The essence of this legislation would be to implement the core of what Justice Arbour was asking us to do: transfer jurisdiction to the civilian process. She consulted, listened to and worked with, directly and indirectly, well over 1,000 people, I suspect. Many of them were direct victims. We need to be respectful of the legislation that is before us, and ultimately pass it. Could the member provide his thoughts in regard to why it was important not only to receive the report from Justice Arbour but also to follow through with it? That is exactly what the legislation would do.