OTTAWA, February 19, 2002 -- The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, is pleased that the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) has received Royal Assent today. The law aims to instil values such as accountability, responsibility and respect and includes more effective, targeted measures to deal with both serious, violent offences and the vast majority of youth offences that are less serious.

"With the new law, we are now in a position to put in place a reform that will benefit all Canadians," stated Minister Cauchon. "We have worked hard since the bill was introduced in Parliament, listening to Canadians and making amendments along the way to respond to the needs of provinces, territories and those working in the youth justice system."

The Youth Criminal Justice Act, which will replace the Young Offenders Act, will provide a fairer and more effective youth justice system. The comprehensive Youth Justice Renewal Initiative aims to:

• rehabilitate young people who commit offences and safely reintegrate them into society;
• ensure that a young person is subject to meaningful consequences for his or her offences; and
• help prevent crime by addressing the circumstances underlying a young person's offending behaviour.

"The new law, which is very much the product of a collaborative effort, provides Canadians with legislation to deal effectively with youth who come into conflict with the law. It is time to move forward with the complete implementation of this reform and this vision," concluded the Minister.

The law should come into force in April 2003 to allow time for provinces and territories to prepare their work forces and develop programs to support implementation.

The Government of Canada has committed close to $1 billion over five years for cost-sharing agreements that will help provinces and territories implement youth justice renewal. The Government of Canada is also providing additional funding for innovative community-based pilot projects, partnerships and other efforts that will support the renewal of the youth justice system.

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Ref.:

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

Suzanne Thébarge
Director of Communications
Minister's Office
(613) 992-4621