Department of Justice

AMENDED YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT COMING INTO FORCE

OTTAWA, November 30, 1995 -- Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Allan Rock, announced today that amendments to the Young Offenders Act, including provisions to address the problem of violent young offenders, will come into force on December 1st this year.

The amendments complete the first part of a two-phase strategy undertaken by the federal government to reform the youth justice system. The second phase consists of a comprehensive review by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs of factors influencing youth crime as well as an in-depth review of the Young Offenders Act.

"This legislation is a significant step forward on the federal government's Red Book commitment to a Safe Homes Safe Streets agenda. Public protection is a primary concern and this is best achieved through community-based crime prevention programs for children at risk and through rehabilitation, wherever possible. At the same time, we must ensure that young people understand that violence is not acceptable and that there are serious consequences for violent behaviour," said Minister Rock.

To enhance public safety, the amended Act includes improved measures for sharing of information between professionals, such as school officials, police and selected members of the public, so that preventive interventions to help avert youth crime will be easier to put in place. As well, police will be able to keep indefinitely the records of young offenders convicted of the most serious offences. For other offences the retention period will depend on the seriousness of the offence and whether the young person re-offends.

Other preventive measures to help keep youth on the right track include provisions for treatment, rehabilitation, and repaying victims wherever possible in the community. For more serious offences the amended Act includes:

* longer sentences for teenagers convicted of murder in youth court - 10 years for first degree and 7 years for second degree murder;

* dealing with 16 and 17-year-olds charged with serious personal injury offences in adult court, unless they can show a judge that public protection and rehabilitation can be achieved through youth court; and

* extending the time that 16 and 17-year-old young offenders who have been convicted of murder in an adult court must serve before being eligible for parole;

"Legislation alone will not prevent youth crime. We must all work together to ensure that Canada's youth are given every opportunity to grow and prosper. As a society we must confront head on factors associated with crime: poverty, illiteracy, substance abuse, racism, and family violence. Early intervention and rehabilitation are key to crime prevention and a safe and peaceful society," said Minister Rock.

Ref.:     Cyrus Reporter           Mary-Anne Kirvan
          Minister's Office        Department of Justice
          (613) 992-4621           (613) 957-4716