Justice

A debate focused on the decision to appeal a recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling regarding drug trafficking, with members expressing concern over an approaching deadline. Conservatives questioned whether the Liberal government would use its authority to order an appeal to protect families affected by the ruling. The Liberal government responded that they have enacted Criminal Code reforms to ensure serious punishments for traffickers and stated that the final decision rests with the Public Prosecution Service. They confirmed that the prosecutors still have time to address the case.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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2 statements

Chak Au, Richmond Centre—Marpole

Conservative

Linked statement

“The deadline is near to appeal a court ruling on drug trafficking in British Columbia. The Attorney General has the power to order this appeal. I want to know if the government will use this power to protect families.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, families in Richmond Centre—Marpole are concerned. With just days before the October 29 deadline to appeal the B.C. Supreme Court’s ruling on drug trafficking, the Liberal government still owes Canadians an answer. What are they waiting for, the Public Prosecution Service? The tail should not wag the dog. The Attorney General has the authority to direct an appeal. Will the Liberals exercise their authority to protect Canadian families from drug traffickers, or is there something the Liberals do not want Canadians to know?

Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)

Liberal
“Human traffickers cause real harm, and we have changed the law to punish them. The prosecutors must decide whether to appeal this case. They still have time, and I trust them to make the right choice.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, traffickers cause real harm. That is why we have been working hard to make sure they get serious punishments. We have passed many different Criminal Code reforms in this House. As for the appeal, we will let the Public Prosecution Service make its decision. It still has time, and I trust that it will make a good decision.

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