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Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Bail and Sentencing Reform Act

A long bill to modestly toughen some criminal sentencing and bail rules. In debate, the Liberals moved to limit discussion, accusing the opposition of stalling. The opposition accused the Liberals of ducking debate on the bill and ignoring Senate amendments.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“Six months ago I begged you to pass a different bill quickly. It was very popular. Look I was even nice about it! But you evil Conservatives blocked it anyway. Here we go again. Now you're the ones blocking bail reform forever. It's your fault it isn't law yet. So how about it minister? Don't you agree we should force this thing through again already?”
Our translation 46% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“You're right, they did block our last bill. I warned them. They delayed it for months, and they didn't listen. But now we're trying again. Pass our new bill today, so it becomes law before summer. If you delay again, you're the ones stopping us from fighting crime.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“You say there are loopholes from the Senate amendments, but I don't see any. One amendment just improves data collection and reporting on bail. We're even giving provinces money for that. Another amendment delays some youth justice changes, but that's because Ontario's Conservative government asked us to. They need time to get ready for the changes. You call these 'loopholes' but I disagree. The amendments are reasonable. If you see real loopholes, tell me exactly what they are.”
Our translation 40% shorter