TranslatePolitics.ca

Recent debates

8 latest topics

06-18 Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 57 statements 06-18 Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 19 statements 06-18 Arab Heritage Month Act 5 statements 06-18 The Economy 15 statements 06-18 Government Priorities 2 statements 06-18 Government Priorities 2 statements 06-18 Housing 12 statements 06-18 The Environment 2 statements

Oral Questions

Justice

2026-06-04 Sitting 129 Showing 1–6 of 6

In a House of Commons debate on justice issues, the Conservatives raised concerns about violent criminals receiving light sentences and avoiding deportation. They cited specific cases of non-citizens who committed violent crimes but remained in Canada. The Liberals responded by touting their efforts on criminal justice reform and accusing the Conservatives of obstructing progress. The two sides mostly talked past each other rather than addressing the issues substantively.

Official Hansard ↗

Larry Brock

Conservative 3:05 p.m.

“I want to look tough on crime. The other party is not doing enough to protect people from criminals.”

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal 3:05 p.m.

“I don't like that you are saying I'm soft on crime. I think I'm tough on crime. I talk a lot about my bills. I don't make the rules. Judges make the rules.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to take seriously charges of not taking crime seriously with harms falling to victims from a member who, just a few hours ago, was opposing efforts to speed up the adoption of the protecting victims act. We have launched one of the most ambitious agendas when it comes to criminal law reform, when it comes to bail reform, when it comes to strengthening sentencing, and when it comes to protecting victims and combatting hate. With respect to the issue that the member mentioned, he knows there is no rule that requires sentences to be adjusted for immigration status. We support the decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada and trust the judiciary to implement the law with fit sentences, independent of politics.

View on ourcommons.ca ↗

Larry Brock

Conservative 3:05 p.m.

“I'm saying you help criminals and ignore victims. I'm tough on crime. I want criminals out of the country. Victims need more help. When will you do more for victims?”

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal 3:05 p.m.

“You say I'm soft on crime. I don't want to look soft. I'm against crime too. I condemn bad things. I'm making some changes. Bail will be harder. Sentences will be longer for some crimes. Judges get to pick sentences. Bad criminals should get deported. I'm doing things about crime so you can't say I ignore it.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is clear, with respect to the individual circumstances that the member referred to, that all members of Parliament must condemn heinous and violent crimes, particularly when it comes to repeat offenders. Now we have to ask ourselves what we want to do about that. On this side of the House, we want to move forward with the most ambitious set of reforms when it comes to the criminal law in this country that Canada has seen in generations. That includes more serious conditions on bail. That includes stiffer sentences for violent repeat offenders and those tied to organized crime. That includes allowing the courts to make decisions about fit sentences. When someone commits a serious and violent crime, they should face serious penalties, including deportation—

View on ourcommons.ca ↗

Ned Kuruc

Conservative 3:05 p.m.

“The government should deport people accused of murder who aren't citizens. I'm angry the government isn't doing this. I want the government to do its job. The residents are demanding it.”

Peter Fragiskatos

Liberal 3:05 p.m.

“I'm changing the subject to say the other party opposes all justice reform. Police chiefs support our justice reforms. I'm bringing up a Supreme Court ruling to avoid the deportation question.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, time and again throughout the parliamentary session, the Conservatives have stood in the way of genuine, real and historic criminal justice reform. They will continue to do so, I suppose, but they should listen to their constituents, who want to see real reform. They should review the comments of police chiefs across the country, who have spoken in favour of exactly what the government is doing on these issues. With respect to the issue of non-residents or non-citizens, he knows very well, or should, that in 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada made clear that courts, and justices in particular, can take note of the immigration status of an individual but that does not impact upon sentencing.

View on ourcommons.ca ↗

What they said. What they meant.

Recent debates