Campaign Launched to Fix Federal Youth Crime Law

Justice Minister and Attorney General Cecil Clarke is calling on Nova Scotians to join him in seeking changes to the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Mr. Clarke launched a campaign in Halifax today, Feb. 13, to build public support for changes to the federal law. The Nunn Commission made seven recommendations related to the act after investigating the circumstances surrounding the 2004 death of Teresa McEvoy.

"Here in Nova Scotia, we're doing our part to act on the recommendations of the Nunn Commission, with new strategies to intervene and treat troubled young people, prevent the root causes of crime, and crack down on repeat offenders," said Mr. Clarke. "We are now counting on Parliament to do its part."

In November, the federal government introduced a bill that proposes several amendments consistent with the Nunn Commission. The bill would give judges greater power to detain youth who are charged with a serious offence before they are put on trial. It would also make the sentencing principles the same as those used for adults, which would allow judges to use the severity of a sentence to deter young people from committing a serious offence.

The federal government is also considering further changes to the act based on a comprehensive review that will start this year. The review will be the main agenda item at a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers in Ottawa on Feb. 15.

"Bill C-25 is a good first step from the federal government to crack down on youth crime," said Mr. Clarke. "All Nova Scotians should be writing, calling, e-mailing their members of Parliament and senators to make sure that each and every one of the Nunn Commission recommendations related to the Youth Criminal Justice Act is implemented through this bill and the federal government's review of the law this year."

"During our annual community consultations over the past six years, citizens have consistently expressed their frustrations with the Youth Criminal Justice Act," said Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley. "Police support any positive changes to the act that will restore citizens' faith in the criminal justice system and more effectively deal with youth who repeatedly come in conflict with the law."

The second goal of the campaign is get the views of Nova Scotians on other ways to fix the act beyond the Nunn Commission recommendations.

"The Nunn Commission provides the road map to fixing the federal youth crime law," said Mr. Clarke. "Through our campaign and public consultation, we are asking Nova Scotians to provide us with any other suggestions on how to fix this law."

The campaign includes a website, www.fixyouthcrime.com , with an online petition for Nova Scotians to sign. Mr. Clarke will circulate hard copies of the petition to all MLA constituency offices.