Department of Justice

MINISTER OF JUSTICE REINTRODUCES YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT

OTTAWA, February 5, 2001 -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today reintroduced the Youth Criminal Justice Act in the House of Commons.

"The Government of Canada believes strongly in the guiding principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and is committed to passing it into law," stated Minister McLellan. "The new Act is built on the values Canadians want in their youth justice system. They want a system that prevents crime by addressing the circumstances underlying a young person's offending behaviour, that rehabilitates young people who commit offences and safely reintegrates them into society, and that ensures that a young person is subject to meaningful consequences for his or her offences. Canadians know that this is the most effective way to achieve the long-term protection of society."

The Youth Criminal Justice Act, which will replace the Young Offenders Act, is a key element of the Government's comprehensive initiative to renew Canada's youth justice system. The Act reflects a balanced approach to youth justice that aims to instil values such as accountability, responsibility and respect. The Act includes more effective, targeted measures to deal with both serious, violent offences and the vast majority of youth offences which are less serious.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act gives provinces and territories flexibility in choosing options in some areas. This allows them to address the unique needs, problems and differences of their systems, while maintaining the guiding principles. Provisions in the Act also formally recognize and support the important role of victims, families and communities in dealing with youth crime.

The proposed Youth Criminal Justice Act was previously introduced in 1999 but died on the Order Paper. The reintroduced bill retains the overall direction and all key elements, but includes amendments brought forward last fall to reduce complexity, provide greater clarity and improve flexibility for the provinces. The amendments reflect the work of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, the suggestions made by various witnesses from across the country and consultations with the provinces and territories.

The Youth Justice Renewal Initiative is being implemented in close co-operation with the provinces and territories. New resources were allocated in the 1999-2000 Federal Budget ($206 million over the first three years) for the Initiative, including support for provincial and territorial efforts to meet the objectives of the Initiative and to provide greater stability and equity in federal funding. Offers of new five-year financial arrangements have been made to the provinces and territories to support the implementation of the proposed legislation and the overall objectives of the Initiative.

The renewal of youth justice is linked to other federal, provincial and territorial initiatives, including the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention, that address the broader factors linked to youth crime. The Government is also working with the provinces and territories, child welfare, mental health, law enforcement and other professionals to develop a new approach to dealing with children under 12, the age of criminal responsibility, who commit crimes.

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Ref.:

Farah Mohamed
Director of Communications
Minister's Office
(613) 992-4621

Catherine Latimer
Director
Youth Justice Policy
(613) 957-9623