“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.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
Justice
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.
“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.”
“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.”