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Conservative Leader Stephen Harper addresses a gathering during a campaign stop in Ottawa, Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
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A young supporter listens as Conservative Leader Stephen Harper addresses a gathering during a campaign stop in Ottawa, Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
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Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen board their campaign plane in Ottawa, Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
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Conservative plan would name violent young offenders
Updated Mon. Sep. 22 2008 9:16 PM ET
CTV.ca News
Reinforcing his party's tough-on-crime reputation, Stephen Harper announced new measures on Monday to allow youth convicted of violent crimes to be named publicly.
Speaking in Ottawa, Harper said offenders 14 and older who are convicted of murder or other severe, violent crimes such as rape or manslaughter, could be named.
"Upon conviction, the name will be made public and the news media will not face a publication ban," Harper said.
Under current law, young offenders under 18 cannot be named by media in most circumstances.
The proposed changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act would also give judges the power to decide whether repeat young offenders who have been convicted of less serious crimes, could be named.
'Rehabilitate and protect'
Harper said the legislation will also state that the primary goal of the young offenders law is twofold -- to rehabilitate young offenders and protect society.
He said the most violent young offenders would automatically be subjected to harsher sentences.
"When a person aged 14 or older is convicted of a serious violent offence such as murder, manslaughter or aggravated sexual assault, then the offender will automatically be subjected to a stiffer sentence," Harper said.
"In general our new law will provide for stiffer youth sentences taking into account the severity of the crime and the offender's level of responsibility. It will also make it easier when necessary to detain an offender before trial."
Harper said the proposed changes would make young criminals more accountable and therefore help deter them from a life of crime.
The changes would also make communities safer because residents would know if there is a dangerous young offender in their midst, he said.
Conservative candidate Stockwell Day told CTV's Mike Duffy Live on Monday that the plan would be make young offenders realize there are permanent consequences for criminal behaviour.
"So along with automatic sentencing for serious violent crimes, the very fact that their names would be published is a deterring effect," Day said. "You can't have a convicted, serious, violent criminal say 15-years-of-age... roaming the streets, unidentified.
"The purpose of identifying that person, who is convicted of a serious violent crime, is to serve as a deterrent and sort of a warning for the rest of the community."
Harper also said more resources would go into rehabilitating young offenders.
"Of course offenders have rights but we believe those rights must be balanced with responsibilities and that victims have rights too," he said.
Comments are now closed for this story
Its about time VICTIMS rights were acknowledged. For far too long (decades) young offenders have been given effectively a free ride and a clean sheet no matter how bad the crime while the real people they hurt are left flapping in the wind.
Definitely about time the Criminals were treated like the criminals they chose to be.
Good work.
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| Dennis - Sudbury, Ontario |
Finally. It's about time that this is being addressed.
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Another reason why Harper will win and win big in October. Canada's Youth Offender Act is the laughing stock of most western countries and I for one have had enough. Go Stephen.
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Finally - Mr. Harper you now have my vote.
It's time to get tough with these gangs.
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YAHOO!!!!!!!! Finally the little bas@@@ds will be held accountable for their actions.
You got my vote...
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It's a good start. Our justice system is far too lenient towards young offenders.
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Guess Harper never talked to the medical community about this, especially not neuro-biologists. At 14, a young person's brain has not finished developing and their judgment is not mature nor is their impulse control. But then, why would Harper even consider consulting the people who should be consulted about this? Only sensible people would do that.
He's just trying to vote grab with the uneducated.
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Thanks Mr. Harper, for bringing American politics to Canada. Next will be capital punishment, right to bear concealed handguns, and life sentences for 14 year-olds involved in crime.
This Conservative party is merely a resurection of Reform with a new name as camouflage.
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It's about time that something like this is done!!
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Reasonable proposal, well thought out, addresses the dual needs of rehabilitation AND protection of society. Another winner from the Harper camp.
Can't wait to see Dion declare Harper as "soft on crime" after this announcement!
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I would whole heartedly welcome this new idea from Harper. I don't believe for a minute that these under-age youth should be protected from the public by not naming them. If they do the crimes, then they should be named publicly as well. Why not put their pictures in the newspapers as well? Everyone has a right to know who the criminals are. It would be better for public safety to know who is out there that could pose or has already posed a threat to society. Finally, maybe we stop all of this nonsense of protecting the criminals right to privacy. In my book, you lose it all if you commit crimes. Way to go Mr. Harper.
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Amazing... After years of liberal soft on crime thinking and the crime rate in youth skyrocketing...someone has the courage to bring in legislation that actually makes sense. wow!
It takes a community to raise a child...this empowers the community.
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THANK YOU, kids grow up faster these days and the Young Offenders Act needs updating.
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Sweet! Let the lynching begin
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Fourteen years old seems young to publish the names when they commit a violent crime. However this is about deterring future crimes of other youth.
It is also about putting a stop to older gang leaders using the younger members for these violent crimes.
Good job Mr. Harper
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The YCJA is a joke. I'm all for extra-judicial measures taken by police but the violent ones need a bit more "punishment" than "Well, Son, don't do it again or else...".
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WOW! It's amazing all the wonderful things Harper will do if re-elected, while doing nothing more than breaking every single promise when he was in office for THREE years! How dumb does he think we are?
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This really changes none of the problems with the young offenders act, considering that no one under 12 can be charged with a crime in the first place.
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Its about time. People need to realize that our laws to protect youth's is incredibly stupid. It's common sense to know that carrying a weapon (gun or knife) is used to hurt or kill someone. Nowadays kids and gang leaders know that youths are protected by the young offenders act. So if they commit a crime they will not do the same amount of time as an adult will. That is why you see more youths commiting crimes. I wish they would just get rid of the whole act as all people know. No matter how young you may be, killing and hurting another person is wrong.
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This is actually a good idea. Surprising, coming from a major, old line party. In a time of collapsing financial institutions, the fact it doesn't cost anything is a bonus. It is good to see that this applies only to youth who are convicted, and not just accused. It will benefit the community and may even help the youth who are publicly identified. How many TV shows are there now where a "public" intervention for drug use or some other activity has worked and reformed the young person. This is the kind of great idea that should get some election play....this is what elections are about...issues.
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I completely agree with this plan. I hope it will become reality.
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That's Great. They should be named and tougher sentencing without a doubt, but far too many of these people are out on bail in a heartbeat. This also should be considered as part of this process. They get out and are back in society. This should be a priority on top of identifying these offenders.
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I couldn't agree more. Finally these criminal's will get what they deserve. The only problem will be getting it past the Libs,NDP members and the Liberal senate
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I am somewhat surprised someone in government wants to make offenders accountable, it is about time. The Liberals just said that they are not for this, and say it is right wing.
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How insulting Wendy! You are saying that only the uneducated vote Conservative? That is a typical Liberal response--arrogant and rude! It is high time these young violent offenders are named. GO HARPER!
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Um... while this is one of many issues that needs to be solved with the Criminal Justice System, if you seriously think I'm electing you because of this - your joking. I don't want kid's names released, I want substantive amendments to the Act and more funding to preventative and youth programming (something the current Government hacked).
That being said, my primary concern is health care and social programs. Crime has remained relative over the past ten years, and is a reactive issue that placates voters.
Let's talk about real amendments, real progress - this does nothing and is a waste of time.
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I won't be voting conservative. I agree it's about time to stop this social experiment and name names and increase punishment.
I get tired of academics spouting their research and stats.
We people live in the real world. When I hear on a weekly basis the crimes committed in public spaces. As a citizen I don't care about some academic's research.
The jails should be doing a better job of helping these criminals become better citizens.
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To the raging Liberal who thinks that this announcement merely appeals to the "uneducated," I would just like to say I have a B.Sc. in Engineering Physics, an MBA in International Business, and a Chartered Accountants (CA) designation. You don't have to be "educated" to recognize that common sense and criminal justice reform is urgently needed in Canada.
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To Wendy: When I was 14 (before that even, honest), I knew that murder, rape, beatings, etc were wrong. My brain wasn't as developed as an adults, but I knew it was wrong. This is a great policy that will finally recognize the VICTIMS rights over thugs, gangs, hoods, or whatever else you want to call them. Perhaps those who think that the thungs are the victims, should go and visit a twelve year old girl that was gang raped and then make your opinion. These people's lives are ruined and you worry about the ones that commit the crimes??? Sickening!
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Good on you Harper! This should have been done a long time ago.
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The word here is 'violent'. Of course a parent has a right to know if their own children are in danger. I agree that non-violent offenders should remain anonymous.
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It is about time a polictician is cracking down on young offenders!
Majority you deserve.
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oh the liberal, offenders-rights champions, are not going to like this one.
But too bad!
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I think it is a great idea to get harder on the young criminals. However it could go either way. Alot of youth especially Gang Related, thrive on attention and media. This would be one downfall. "Kill or Rape someone and get your name in the paper" I strongly agree with this change (about the only thing I agree with Harper on) However there may be down-falls. (but then again when isn't there?)
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I like this; as always Mr. Harper makes suggestions that are practical and necessary. I think I would like to know if the 15 old next door killed or abused someone. It is something that does not have a billion dollar price tag to it as does all of Dion's dreams.
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| Frank Buchan (Vauxhall, Alberta by way of Ontario) |
To Wendy:
I guess I'm just one of those uneducated people who agree with this move; though I know the science of the brain well enough to confirm certain chemical traces in young brains do affect judgement, etc. Oddly, I find it hard to equate impulsiveness with rape, murder, etc. And I have a really tough time with forgiving violent crimes, and repeat offences by anyone at all, regardless of their age. Even my two year old knows, when disciplined, that there is a connection between her choices and her outcomes. Taking responsibility for choices, which is what most non-criminals have in common, seems to work even at that young age.
Now why don't you try telling the families and victims of violent youth how uneducated they all are. See how far that line gets you with someone who lost a loved one to gang violence committed by a multiple violent offender.
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To Wendy:
Well finally something that makes some sense from the Conservatives.
These particular changes I see as well thought out. If they wanted to do away with it all together I'd be howling.
But I'm sorry for those who read all those reports, but for crimes like murder and rape, especially rape, the "no impulse" control excuse doesn't fly for me.
Sure, petty theft, even fights, that I can see, but when it reaches this level, that goes beyond impulse control to something truly wrong.
This still provides treatment for them, yet also allows the public to know who might a rapist or sex offender in their midst when they get out and take some sensible precautions.
I agree most right wingers are far too draconian on crime, but we have, in my opinion, gone way too far the other way and taken the idea of being responsible for oneself completely out of the picture.
The young offenders act needs some serious work, and this isn't a bad start.
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It's about time. Canada desperately needs this legislation. The situation right now is absurd. Justice is not being served.
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I can't agree with most of you comments. I think this is a bad idea, as we all know children are immature and do make bad decisions. Should they be haunted for the rest of there lives for something they did when they were 14 years old? I guess most of the people who posted comments have never made mistakes in their life right? Things that you wish you never did. How would you like it to be thrown in your face for the rest of your life? Get real Harper, and give up the vote buying schemes because not everybody in this country is a gullible as your supporters.
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This is the same pathetic Red Neck approach the MP in Winnipeg was after when he ranted about everyone carrying a handgun because of the beheading on the bus.
Kids need guidance and direction from adults...not just to be tossed in jail.
Harper is a very dangerous man and God Help Canada if he gets a majority.
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I have alway been causous about Harper, and still am. His view of Crime and Punishment scares me. but I agree that the names should be public, but anything more like MANDATORY MINUMIM as he wanted in the past I cannot support. Each situation is different and the judge should take everyting in consideration before sentencing. In other words leave that to the judges. It's their job, and if you don't like what a perticular judge is doing address it with him or her.
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A young 14 year old mind is developed enough to know right from wrong. Stop making excuses under the guise of "good psychology".
Their "underdeveloped minds" can be assessed and guided under psychological supervision through the criminal system where they belong, while the rest of us are protected from their violent [intentional & conscious] actions.
Many young offenders abuse the current system, to their advantage. It's not unusual to hear "they can't touch me, I'm under 18". Stick that in your psychoanalytic pipe, and smoke it.
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Thank You Stepher Harper. It's about time someone is going to do somthing about all this crime. For years it's been a revoling door ,and the young people know it.You will be getting my vote, if for no other reason
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If this was all you had to offer in your campaign Mr. Harper .... you got my vote.
LONG overdue.
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To Murray R:
While the people with your approach to crime hide in the corner and hope the police or government will come to your rescue while a misguided youth terrorizes you, I will choose NOT be a victim and defend the lives of my family with my LEGAL unconcealed firearm.
I hope you will never have to learn that a victim does not have the luxury of choosing the age of his attackers.
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| tired of youth getting a slap on the wrist,, lynne |
good going wendy,, so when a 14 year old comes and burns down your house or takes a life close to you rememeber what you said, not mature enought right,, heck lady 14 year olds are out there getting pregnant and laughing at us,, maturity and brain growing we are all having our brains still growing, maybe i should go out and do something, aint gonna happen cause i am scared as i can be about jail.. we need to get tough as these kids are getting away with outrageous things and laughing about it,, what do your kids do,, eh,, sorry about this but i am with the tougher laws,, or maybe your kids are the ones out there doing the damage and you dont want to see them in jail.. not to sure, but it has to stop somewhere or parents need to get harder with their kids,, come on,, the kids are getting out of control, they dont listen to us, they blow us off and discipline aint gonna happen cause they lie to cfs and we loose them to the system and since the system doesn't work well with them they end up in gangs and having criminal records anyways,, what is needed now is moral values, respect, etc, and the kids dont have that cause we as parents screwed up and didnt give them any,, so parents should also be accountable for serious crimes their kids do cause they helped by not dealing with their kids right,, and it sounds like i would have to worry about your kids if you have any..well lets see if the liberals or the ndp share this youth vision, they better or have something close to it, voting time is here boys,, we are listening
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My niece was walking home last month at 9:00PM in a nice typical residential area and was beaten unconscious, robbed and left for dead in the ditch. One of the punks was identified the next day after selling my niece's cell phone to a kid passing by. The police said they knew the group of youths responsible but could do nothing. I had to convince my brother not to confront the gang of youths or he’d be thrown in jail.
The system we have in place now is not justice and does not provide adequate public safety.
Most 14 year old juvenile gang members are not confused innocent kids. They are street smart savvy predators. Going soft on them is not going to work. Hasn’t this theory been proven wrong by now?
Regardless of these argument victims rights come first. Only criminals and confused misguided liberals would object to these changes.
Harper has my vote.
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Murray, why is it that when people who have similar ideas as Americans, that somehow we are Americans? I have a telephone and so do Americans....
I think this is a great idea for Violent Offenders, but then i also think Boot Camps are a good idea.
I think that Firearms, especially pistols should be very, very hard to get. But I do think that former Police and Soldiers should be able to carry concealed fire arms... So what does that make me?...
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They need to do more than naming offenders, what difference would it make. Who cares if you name someone for their crime, they NEED TO BE PUNISHED. JAIL TIME DEPENDING ON THE CRIME. FORGET ALL THE BS AND LET'S MAKE ALL THE CITIES SAFE ACROSS OUR COUNTRY.
Toronto is being plagued by gun violence daily, the crime is so rampant that it's scary and unsafe.
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Harper always does thing like this. He will do some small token feel good measures designed to buy votes. Most of you will fall for it, even thought it is small and insignificant.
To normal everyday people this would be a detterent and an embarrasment if it was to happen. But NEWSFLASH... the hoodlums do not CARE!!!
They will not shooting at each other because their name is in the paper. They have no respect for life, so what makes you think that they will not pick up a gun to keep thier name out of the papers.
These hoodlums use street names and for the most part only a small handfull of people actually know their real names.
And on the flipside Mr. Harper and to all who have just given him your vote, all that you will be doing with this is creating a venue for the hoodlums to become notarized on a national stage. You may find a few that commit henous acts just to be publicized.
Good luck dettering that.
Stop buying into Harper junk file, there are alot of things that if you think for two seconds it doesn't make that much sense, even though on the surface it makes you feel good.
Just because someone says they are going to do something and does it make them someone to vote for. You have to question whether what is being done is right first. Please wake up Canada, vote for anyone other than the Conservatives.
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...what's the difference between a 14 year old brain that commits violent crime, and a 14 year old brain that abides by the law?
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Again, Harper plays to the mob, pretending that the judicial system is the place to fight crime, ignoring the problems of poverty, racism, and easy access to guns. We need to offer young people alternatives to crime, and when they make mistakes, we need to allow restitution and rehabilitation for first offenders instead of using mandatory sentences to warehouse them in the academies of crime that our prisons are. Harper's overall strategy will lead to more crime, more criminals, more victims, and more costs for taxpayers. Prevention is much cheaper and more effective than punishment. America's tough-on-crime strategy has left some city slums as ungovernable wastelands; this is the worst example in the world to follow.
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Wendy and others looking to protect violent young offenders...
Calgary just had an innocent bystander visiting from Brazil shot in the face. He is now permanently blind at 24.
The shooter was a repeat young offender with a history of violence. Tell the parents of that Brazilian boy your ideas on "hugs for thugs".
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It's about time that "shame" was put back into this so-called justice system. The old adage of "spare the rod and spoil the child" has led us to clamour for more deterence.
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Violent is as violent does. The need to address the individual causes of youth crime and violence do not outweigh the need for society to be protected from violent individuals, no matter their age.
A community should know who the violent offenders in their midst are. Young offenders especially need to realize the gravity of their actions and be forced to be accountable for what they do.
Once this legislation is passed, the country will then need to find judges with the brass knackers to hand out appropriate sentences.
Our legal/justice system has gone soft, and the criminal elements in our society are daily exploiting the system. The Conservatives seem to be the only party willing to address this issue; for that alone they get my vote.
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Every piece of junk mail I receive from the local Conservative MP is about cracking down on young offenders. Reform that comes from knowledge received from experience, time past, and education is the way societies progress. I do believe in improving laws and systems but I disagree with it being so politicized. It appears to me that cracking down on young offenders is the Conservative's main message. It turns me off because I think there is more important things to be dealing with at this time. The Conservatives have lost my vote because they just don't share my values and priorities.
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To all the bleeding hearts; I'd like to see how you react when a crime is committed on YOU by a young offender. Maybe, you'll give them a hug, and a lollipop. It's "hug-a-thug" mentality that is creating this problem.
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Yahoo!! It is tough no nonsense approaches like this that have made the United States law enforcement regieme the envy of the world and their cities the safest on earth!!
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Thanks Mr. Harper you now have my vote. I was reading in my local paper about a 16 yr old boy who has been charged with 3 counts of sexual assault. Who will keep my children safe?
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Excellent. I hope he moves to capital punishment, yes even for young offenders. We need this Reform agenda.
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Anyone who has ever been the victim of a violent crime perpetrated by a youth(s) will obviously see this proposed legislation as DEFINITE step towards the protection of society. I congratulate Mr. Harper for bringing this long overdue proposal.
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Safe streets???!!! A pipe dream unless the judicial system gets an overhaul. PCs need a majority to find out what they really can do.
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Great idea until the courts rule it violates some imaginary Charter right...
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I have to admit I like this idea.
I don't like the Conservatives but they've come up with something that I agree with.
Now let's see them become progressive with environmental issue's and they may have my vote.
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Instead of going for revenge how about addressing the needs of the victim?
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Well, having been at one time in my life, a young person who fell under the Young Offenders Act, and someone who was convicted of a fairly violent crime, I can't help but agree with the Harper proposal!
I was incarcerated for 2 years, and in that time, saw the same faces come and go several times. How was this rehabilitation, or even giving someone a second chance.
Contrary to Wendy's belief, I did know what was right and what was wrong. I just didn't care! Fortunately, I was one of the few who did learn his lesson. Unfortunately, very few do learn. It is in the interest of those of us who are law abiding, and who do care about our communities, that this be enacted.
That's my two cents.
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Just what vulnerable kids need, to be publicly humiliated. This will lead to more teen suicides and we are suffering from a lack of social services now. Even worse if you live in a rural area. However we spend approx $22 billion on Afghanistan and ignore social programs.
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J from ontario,
I made tons of mistakes when I was 14. However murder was not one of them.Try and think how you would feel if it was your own child. Please think of the pain of the parents of the murdered child or adult.
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FINALLY!
Despite the efforts of bleeding-hearts throughout the land, a tougher Young Offender's Act is on the horizon!
...We've had violent young offenders here in Vancouver publically laugh at the absurdly inadequate sentences they've received for vicious beatings and even murder.
It's time for Canadian bleeding-hearts to conceed that the laws need more teeth and we need more Victim's Rights.
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This is not tough enough. We should have the right to know who in our neighborhood are doing the crimes (all crimes) not just the violent ones. This way we can watch them and help the police when we see these people commiting crimes. Name them all and their addresses.
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the young offenders act was a joke from the beginning. legislation to commit crime for unaccountable youth.
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Yes, that's right. We want to be more like the United States when it comes to dealing with young offenders. Why wouldn't we want our recidivism rate as high as theirs? Without, we would have nothing to complain about.
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...at age 8 most children are able to determine right from wrong. If the rest haven't learned by age 14 there's something wrong and usually it's coming from their home life. parents also need to take responsibility for there childrens actions. Stop making excuses for the acceptance of violence.
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Maybe Harper is right and Canadians have become more coversative...
It is a sad day.
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"Rehabilitate" - this kids were never "habilitated".
Parents are not doing their job - popping kids out, and ignoring them. Most kids are from poor homes - no time invested into their lives due to parents having to work just to eat and pay bills - so they join a gang either for recognition or to not have to slave away like their parents.
For these kids, putting their names in the paper would not be a deterrent as most would not read the paper.
For the kids of more well off parents who do crime out of boredom, yes, putting their names in the paper may shame the parents into actual parenting.
I think what is needed is help for the poor, parenting for the children, food at school, and a class in school, not about "self-esteem", but about responsibility and consequences of actions.
Our society is crumbling, and it starts at home. Politicians, and the people who don't have to worry about just feeding their kids, are too far removed from the situation to really understand from the heart and soul level.
And as for a 14 year old not understanding that killing, robbing and hurting others could possibly be wrong - pluuuuusssssseeee!
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When somebody is so far gone that they do not even value their own life, they are not going to carefully measure the consequences of their actions. Therefore this is an empty punitive measure, designed to do nothing else but make citizens feel like some sense of justice has been awarded. Meanwhile, young people will still be dying.
Meanwhile, I want to know what the Conservatives will do to fix our cities and our healthcare system, clean up our environment and get us the heck out of Afghanistan.
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FINALLY! This is the best thing I've heard in the last two weeks, from any side.
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I'd really like to see one of the liberal or NDP MP's lose a family member to murder commited by someone under 18. Maybe then they would understand...
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I supported him , but , not anymore. In our city all the druggies are doing a fine buisness and all the cops are doing is drinking coffee and nailing people for minor speeding infractions. Even our Police are starting to look pathetic. Some of the RCMP coming out of the academy are only 110 pounds when you place two rocks in their pockets,they seem to be hell bent on tasering some one.
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hey i am doing a project about canadian and american federal elections and i wood like it if u guys put more info about the 3 major issues. Thankz a bunch, elizabeth
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the YCJA is lenient toward young offenders because it is an attempt to help kids/teenagers to not have their whole life thrown away with criminal records + long jail sentences etc. just because they made one mistake
for example I was charged with assault in high school with which there was multiple people involved from 2 different groups. there was a newspaper article about it simply a fight between rival schools and everyone I know from that fight (about 10 people all together) has had no violent incidents since and hold respectable jobs or attend college/university
now its a totally different story when it comes to heinous crimes, but realistically every case is different
just think about the kids who made a mistake. I'm sure you've made plenty
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This is fine. I agree that the punishment should fit the crime and that perpetrators of serious crimes should be put away. However, I see nothing in this plan that will help "rehabilitate" or "deter" anyone. Desperate people tend not to give much consideration to the consequences when they commit acts of desperation. We also have to look at the causes of crime and address them. I don't see any of that in the Harper law and order agenda. And how about the instruments of crime? Why does he continue to be against controls on firearms?
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WOW! They will be named...big deal. How about actually punishing these criminals, and not letting them walk after only 5 years in jail.
I can`t believe anyone would even praise Harper for such a minor change. This wont to ANYTHING to help crime in Canada.
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Why not just go the one step further and do what should have been done long ago. ABOLISH THE YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT! The kids these days know damn well what they are doing, and know what they can and can't get away with. Lets start to see people understand once again that there's consequences for their actions, and lets get some judges that are willing to enforce this!
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If a kid is murdering, raping and beating people nearly to death, I think a little public humiliation is the least of his worries.
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naming violent young offenders is a start but how about commiting a crime with weapon doubles the fine and time in prison. A weapon could be describe as anything not normally part of a human. Such as a stick, car, gun. I would also like to see gangs consisting of 2 or more people get double the fine and the time in prison.
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I hope to GOD that Harper gets a majority!! So that he can screw up this country nice and good and we can get rid of the CONS for another 13 years or more! I can't believe how backwards this country has gone. We used to be one of the most progressive countries in the world...now look at us.
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Finally, these trouble makers and law breakers will be accountable for their actions. I just hope it becomes reality!!!!!. Young or old, does not matter. If you break the law, you should be punished.
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"Instead of going for revenge how about addressing the needs of the victim?"
Harper is addressing the needs BEFORE there is a victim!
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I may not agree with all of Harper's polocies, however, I note he is the only candidate putting forward a platform made up of bite size, realistic and attainable polocies. They represent positive changes, that aggregately make up significant change to the broadest spectrum of Canadians. They are above all else realistic.
The leftists can't compete with Harper's platform so they introduce a myriad of "Pie in the Sky" policies, that only blind Partisan followers or short sighted voters will grasp.
Their comments to Harper's polocies typically consist of name calling, down playing and dismissing ANY value form his polocies. It's silly when they say the GST cut has done NOTHING, or $150 to seniors is "USELESS".
As a middle class JO with kids and a mortgage, I DO SEE more $$ in my pocket at month end. It only makes logical sense, unless I spend all my saved tax $$ on more Lefty Snake Oil. Some of you have cupboards full of it it seems.
Slow and steady wins the race!!
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The identification of past young offenders should be retroactive if they were and still are part of a violent gang.
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I can't believe how some people are against these changes. Has anyone noticed how our youths act these days? Has anyone noticed the kinds of crimes they are committing at such young ages?
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| Concerned citizen of Winnipeg |
Harper - you have my vote.
I live in Winnipeg and also work in downtown Winnipeg. This year our city was named the Crime capital of Canada and I'm sorry to say that I can see why! I'm so sick of hearing on the local news about the young repeat offenders that are involved in violent crime and then released back out into the community b/c of their age. Something more needs to be done and while this won't solve the problem, it is a step in the right direction and may deter youths from continously reoffending.
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Man, you NeoCONS are full of hate. Must be tough hating everything and everyone. Just listen to yourselves, all high and mighty, and judging others from your lazy boys with no understanding of circumstances.
Orwell's 1984 has nothing on you guys. And to think you walk among us. I fear you.
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Its about time! ...These are violent offenders and rapist. These are "unforgivable crimes" and whether you are a youth or not, you have lost any right to live free!
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Mr. Harper, methinks you just won a majority.
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Not just named, but these kids need to charged as adults! I'm the first one to call the police on my son when he breaks the law. I love him very much, but think he is safer and has also learned that he must suffer the consequences for his actions the good and the bad!
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...I have worked intensively with families and understand many aspects of brain development. To say that their judgement is not mature nor is their impulse control...that may be true - but the reality is that those things begin being developed at a much younger age. They are ONLY developed under the caring, coaching, and teaching of a parent or caregiver. You must know then that outside the context of attachment there are MANY aspects of brain development that do not occur. You must also know that those 14 year olds will turn into adults and STILL not have those skills. Those skills are not aquired by birthdays.
We need to support families to teach their children...but we must provide justice to victims and their families as well.
I think that sensible people would be able to hold both of these things in their minds.
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YES
I agree with naming names.
Also they should tatoo convict on their foreheads... Just to remind them for the rest of their lives that fact that they caused strife and hardship to society.
And you bleeding hearts out there who think that this is too hard on them here is a thought:
I am tired of MY hard earned tax-payers money being directed towards catching and jailing these little morons and they get off with little or no punishment.
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What about repeat break and enters, selling drugs or car thefts? Gangs seem to use young kids to commit these crimes knowing that they can recruit them easy with the lure of "big money" and no legal consequences.
Kids need consequences- everyone knows that. And we need to make it harder for gangs to recruit, profit and grow. Then Harper will have my vote
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This is a great announcement. It won't name petty crimes, but the public has a right to know about murderers, rapists etc.
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In this policy, it simply calls for tougher punishment.
Would you rather take your justice via street weaponry or have authorities with more powers do it for you?
It's your life.
Which is pretty much how Canada lives. As conscious as we can be, as good as we can be, under our current situation, if you were to become a victim, you'd have to hope trial puts that offender away. That offender will usually claim insanity and thus be rehabilitated. This one allows the victim to hold a lot less back now.
I'd rather be able to fight rather than being handicapped because of some law saying I'm unable to do 'this'
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It's about time that we do something about crimials, young and old alike! We need to give tougher sentences and yes, we should be able to name the young offenders as these young people know the fact they are committing a crime. It's about time we PROTECT the VICTIMS, rather than the criminals.
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Blah, Blah,Blah...big deal, which amounts to nothing really substantive..doesn't change my vote.
Does anyone really believe that giving these kids the publicity they crave is actually going to deter them from committing crime? I'm afraid quite the opposite will be the subsequent result.
Get rid of the legal system and put a justice system in its place, stiffen penalties, punish offenders, minimize rights of the convicted and enhance rights of the innocent and then, maybe you'll get my vote.
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I finally feel like my rights are being addressed. This is going to solidify my support of the conservatives.
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A 14 year old brain hasn't developed yet??? Those same brains can get to level 67 in any game they want, can program your cell phone and computer in a second, and are way more advanced that you give them credit for!!! Their problem is their parents are losers. My FIVE year old knows right from wrong, lady. It's about time!!! Once the little punks know that their PLAYTIME is up, maybe they'll think twice about stealing that Dodge.
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Yes Jason, I have made mistakes growing up. But I have NEVER stolen a car, killed someone, (I would have liked to,) joined a gang, sold drugs, used drugs, never visited a hooker, etc, etc. etc. There is a difference. I knew that if I did do any of the above, man was I gonna get it!!!!!
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To Lillian and all others that have accused Wendy of being insulting for making the comment that the Conservative strategy appeals to non-intelligent people.
I'm afraid she's actually quite right.
I'm a former media person, I know the particular tactic the Conservatives are using in this campaign.
Essentially pander to the lowest common denominator...much like the formula for a Jerry Springer show.
The Conservatives know their platform doesn't exist so instead they focus attention on others with half truths that are swaddled in emotional rhetoric.
They know full well that the majority of Canadians assume they are informed but live blissfully ignorant of most things around them.
Headline trackers we used to refer to most Canadians as, very easy to manipulate and control because most Canadians allow themselves to believe their own problems in their own world is all they need to know.
Unfortunately it works.
The downside is that the general population continues a slide to being dumbed down even further.
Don't be angry at Wendy, look for yourself and then get angry at your neighbors and co-workers.
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Kids today are much more mature and educated and developed than when the Young offenders act was created.Violent offenders of any age should be indentified so as to alert innocents of the potential dangers.The Liberal approach is to never blame the person but to blame everyone else and or inanimate objects such as guns.It`s about time youth were held responsible for their own actions and naming them is a start.
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If this is such good policy -- why does it NOT apply to Quebec? Under Harper's plan, 14 is the age for English Canada only. But in Quebec, it's 16! How is this being passed off as serious policy as opposed to what it really is: vote pandering?
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Bravo Mr. Harper. I am not yet sure who I am going to vote for, but this is an excellent idea. If all the anti-Harper crowd can muster is “a cheap vote buy of the uneducated public”, I am sorry but it is going to backfire on you.
To those who are against publishing names because it is not a deterrent: you are missing the point. It is about letting the public know there are dangerous criminals in their midst. With two young children, I feel the current law fails them by not making me aware of potential threats to their safety.
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I work with jailed youth and I don't agree with this policy of naming them, or of giving them longer sentences.
My experience has been that these kids are generally messed up with drugs or alcohol and in the prison environment they get a chance to really grow and face their actions. I have seen those in the longest for the worst offenses have turned out the best as people. Saddling them with public shame serves no purpose. It's a mean spirited attitude that is behind this whole approach, not constructive, in my opinion.
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It's about time someone addressed this issue. Kids today have no respect for the law, private and public property or people. I feel ALL young offenders should be exposed. We as adults set the example for our children. The way we treat others, the way we speak, the language we use; some adults need to take a good hard look in the mirror and see what their children see. The gangs are using our young people to hide behind. This needs to stop.
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I agree wholeheartedly on the publishing of names & photos of those young offenders who have chosen to break the Law! Put them to SHAME! It's time to focus on the crime victims and say "This is what happened to the victim and take a good look at who caused the crime"!!
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Well, the United States has the death penalty and that doesn't seem to stop young offenders. The Conservative approach is spank them harder and they will learn. Have any of you guys ever read any sociological studies on crime and punishment?...Uh didn't think so. Oh by the way what's your view on torture? Duh! It's a rhetorical question.
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I believe that young offenders of any crime should be named. If you commit a crime you should be convicted and people should know who you are.
Some people think this would be wrong and would be placing these convicted youngsters in danger well if they decide to committ a crime well they should take the danger.
If Harper gets reelcted and keeps his promise then good for him.
I do have one question with all this election will any of these politicians keep their promises who really keeps their promise to society.
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is this the best Harper's Reform party can do? this is pathetic.... oh great, the youth, out of fear of having their names published, will not offend any more? is that the thinking? is this the best Harper could come up with? what about trying to deal with the root of the problem maybe. I mean, this is so pathetic...what's next? tar and feathers...
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Someone made the comment for Harper to get real. I don’t understand how RAPE and MURDER is not real. I have made mistakes. Especially when I was a young teen, but murder or rape was not one of them. Rape and murder are only mistakes when these people get caught. I am sure everyone that pays a penalty for murder or rape considers it to be a mistake.
I think this is a good call, and about time.
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Regarding J from Ontario's comments: "I guess most of the people who posted comments have never made mistakes in their life right?" This isn't applying stealing a can of Red Bull. It clearly states offenders convicted of murder and rape. I don't know where you grew up, but murder and rape are not excusable accidents in my neighbourhood growing up.
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As a former youth advocate I can tell you that the majority of young offenders are the product of a home environment of some sort of abuse or neglect being either emotional and or physical; where parental guidance, control, an inattentiveness were the norm.
Fine with me if they want to publicize the identity of the offender, but they also need to include publicizing the legal guardian as well. Furthermore, the legal guardian should be held jointly accountable with the accused.
The only way to reduce youth crime rate is to put the adult in a position of accountability and responsibility. I really think that once our laws place a burden upon the guardians, then many more will reign-in their offspring.
I never committed a crime and I attribute it entirely on my guardians who taught me: that getting an education was for my future benefit; not theirs, that nothing comes free..you have to work for what you want, a knowledge of right from wrong, responsibility and accountability, and were vigilant about my activities. I thank them for it too.
My children are raised and reared exactly the same way....two of them are upstanding, responsible, law-biding adults today...the younger ones are kept actively involved in community projects.
Boredom and idle time often tend to get one into trouble..keep them busy!
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Wow, all you Conservative supporters are very much confused about the nature and lilely effectiveness of this policy.
One of the biggest problems with this plan is that it is another good example of the PC's doing their best to impopse their Conservative, American-style agenda / dogma on Canada, and worse, trying to do it without the consultation of the Canadian public. Uhh, punishment as a deterrant has been proven over and over not to be very effective. Do you think a 14 year old who's running on adrenaline, raw emotions (and maybe drugs) is in a mental state to think 'oh wait, the government will release my name and photo'? What a joke. Given that they're doing their best to make Canada more like the USA, the PC's should take a moment, put their dogma aside, and look at the facts - i.e. judge whether their policies are good for Canada, or just some blind/half-baked notion based on following a philosophy most Canadians do not ascribe to.
By the way, has the death penalty (supposedly the greatest deterrant of them all) reduced murder and violent crime in the US? Having the highest murder rate in the western world would seem to indicate otherwise...
We should all be afraid of what Harper is trying to do. Not because the idea of punishing violent crime is bad, but because how he consistently and secretly leads us into more 1/2 baked American style policy daily.
Furthermore, most of you comments of support are based around ideas of brutal gang violence: You do realize that ALL young offenders would be treated the same, right? Do you really think a gang member is going to be deterred by the possibility of their name/photo being released? Are you that naive?
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Misstar Muskybuck, Thank ya fer pointin out that I'm just a sheep lookin to be led by dem meadier fellers. Haven't got the brians God gave a Critter. Yer far to clever fer me, I didn't git any fancy book learnin, I'm just a simple gun toten, beer drinken, red neck Connnn...Servative ! How udderly terrible of that Harper Scoundral to appeal to what the voters want, after all, as you say, voters don't know poop from pablum. Heck, why don't we fergit the lekshun all together, we're jus to dumm to make such an immportent dee-cision any hoo.
Ya'll let nice man on the picture tube tell us how to vote now ya hear.
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ALRIGHT!!!!!!!!!! It's about bloody time but can you believe some people still say Kids are Kids.. What kind of attitude is that? I don't know if naming these young terrors will stop them from future crime but at least we'll know who to avoid and who to keep an eye on. I know this decision alone will sway my vote
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Naming them.....yah that will deter them. How about instead of publicy naming them you prosecute them to the full extent of the law! Enough of this treating them like they are just out of the womb and don't know any better. Enough is enough.
Do the crime do the time!
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that's Terrible. they're just a bunch of kids, who made a mistake. bad move.
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Wendy,
Please provide references, and do not speak for the medical (or scientific) community, unless you cite a specific approach. Who are these "neurobiologists" that you speak of, and have their developmental theories passed some form of peer review ? There are several potential criticisms to your argument; lack of biological development is often cited by the social work community (presumably to forward their own agenda). From a neurobiological perspective,by the age of 14, an adolescent is capable of abstract reasoning, and has has highly fluid intelligence (the biological hardware is performing near its peak). Behavioural psychologists would strongly disagree with your assessment, as they believe that the adolescent mind is quite malleable (it adapts well to its environment, whether it is excelling academically; or manipulating counsellors and other adults into believing that they are incapable of understanding the consequences of their actions).
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Hopefully this will be another "tool" parents/police/children's aid/teachers can use to keep teenagers out of "getting in trouble". When my children were confronted with it, because of the "flavor of the day" was parental abuse be it physical or verbal would not be tolerated towards them. Regardless to say, all that did was spin them even more out of control to where my 14 year old was giving permission for my 10 year old to stay out until 1am. They dared us on a regular basis to stop them and that they would call the cops on us. We tolerated our personal lively hood being threatened, our personal well being put through a meat grinder and our sanity tested day by day. All I can say is I pray that if names are released, those parents of the troubled teens are held in strictest confidence the way the teens names are now done. I lost alot of good friends and associates due to my children "asserting their rights". To this day, I ache for the parents of kids who do push until the law steps in. Also, since when does a 14 year old have the right to do what they want, when they want as long as they are in the company of a "supposed adult...18 year old". I spent many a nights driving the city looking for my daughter only to be told I had no right to take her home. Laws for teens need to not only reflect the crime but the effect it has on the family unit.
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Well I am educated and the bleeding hearts should actually have a look at the kind of time that is served (if any) for serious offences by 16 and 17 year olds. It has always been illogical and not in keeping with the psychological maturity level of these individuals. The laws are quite rightly viewed as a joke.
Congratulations to Harper for having the balls to stand up to the politically correct crowd and to stand up for what is more fair and just. How many decades has it been since we've had a leader with the courage to stand up for his convictions, rather than what is politically expedient?
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Zero tolerance never works, and most of you forget crime is still relative to population growth, it isn't out of control as the media or harper would like you to believe. The system needs to be fixed, but that takes time and effort...I was given a second chance, so should these kids. Let them choose whether or not they want to be a part of a functioning and responsible society.
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Refering to Wendy's comments about the 14 year old brain not being fully developed! I agree, and that is the reason there may still be hope that the brain may be able to be properly influenced so there may be hope for that person in the future. If the legal system would be firmer before the age of 14 allowing parents and schools to excersize discipline we would not be in this mess at 14!
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The youth of today are out of control and I agree with the naming of them and harsher sentences for them. As well parents need to take interest in their children and make sure that they know what's right from wrong. I grew up in a home where both my parents worked full time jobs to make ends meet but they still made the time to teach us the difference, no matter how tired or busy their day may have been. Being a single parent who works full time it is hard but I still make sure to find the time to teach my child.
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One aspect of our criminal rehabilitation system that has been lost is the concept of "shame". Ancient societies knew the value of public scorn for the predators.
Our system has been so sanitized that young criminals are shielded to the point that they think they can do anything and never have to face the public with their guilt.
Conversely, jail is "Crime 101", guaranteed to hone their skills. We need to think about remote camps, a combo between Outward Bound and Boot Camp, that is tough but instills in them confidence, caring for others, and a vision for their future that doesn't require crime to make it.
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I can't beleive the people in this forum! Canada can't possibly have gone to the right that much!
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Canadians are so incredibly blessed to have such enlightened Tory governance. Life in Canada has become so much simpler and safer than anywhere else in the world with powder-blue sweater-wearing Stevie at the helm with his paternalistic, myopic oversight.
Harper’s assertion that tougher sentences deter crimes is complete and utter falsehood. Studies have repeatedly shown that the correlation between tougher sentences and lower rates of incarceration is non-existent. Moreover, the public humiliation garnered by those young offenders whose names have been released to the media only exacerbates the situation.
While violent crimes perpetrated by youth may have increased, the CONJOB approach will neither lower these statistics nor target the overarching issue related to crime (in general): Poverty. Furthermore, crime will be bane of Canadian society until the ever-widening chasm between the rich and poor is actually addressed in concrete actions and not merely lip-service during a federal election campaign.
Harper’s use of fear is masterful as he hoodwinks some Canadians into believing that locking them up is the only way to a safer society. If that were true, the US would be the safest country in the world.
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Steve, please tell Calgarians as well as the rest of Canada your views on gun control.
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Children need to be held accountable for their actions period. Unfortunately for the majority of them they do not get taught this. It should be the role of the family but I guess we can all agree that isn't going to happen. It used to be taught in schools and churches but those institutions have been stripped of their abilities to do that. Think about public schools, don't show up for classes, no consequences. Can't pass the prerequisites, you don't fail. And recently in Ontario hand in an assignment late , no penalty and hey let's have cultural schools because certain groups can't learn the same way as others. No consequences being taught equals horrendous crimes being committed. The left way of thinking is responsible for creating these circumstances and cannot be relied on to accept the failure of these programs and to rectify them.
One last point, imagine your daughter going out on a date with a young man who was recently released from prison for bludgeoning a 12 year old girl to death. Think you would like to know?
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Either way I'm happy - I mean, it won't actually change anything (for the better or worse), but at least it will allow for some Canadians to have heightened sense of vengeance (er... I mean 'justice').
Am I the only one who thinks it's ironic that a man who believes that another man was nailed to a tree some 2,000 years ago for the forgiveness of humanity and teaching us to turn the other check is suggesting tougher penalties for criminals? (Oh, but more guns, definitely more guns).
I'm just saying: it's seems a little counter-intuitive (if not hypocritical), no?
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Well it's about time that we have a government that will protect the public like this. You can not tell me that a 14 year old who does a violent crime,that he or she does not know what they are doing. Well I frankly do not believe that. They should come under the same rules as adults and maybe the next kid might think twice before he or she does something like that. By putting their names out there, is like saying hey no more will our society put up with this kind of behaviour...
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Actually, I have to retract my statement...
Crime is already beginning to dwindle at Harper's announcement; just as it has been for the last 20-some years.
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You know I sit here and LMAO at all you Con Drones over there at the Conservative Death Star filling these media comment's blogs with Harper Cheer leading. What a bunch of suck ups. ... I bet all your IP addresses are from the Conservative Death Star.
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I grew up with some kids who did some really nasty things even between the ages of 14 and 16. They would be 100% aware that they would get nothing but a slap on the wrist and would not be concerned with what the consequences were if they were caught. The law was not a deterrent at all. It was a joke. Really. It was a laughable joke.
I was pleased to hear the the PM is also focusing on the root cause of *some* of these young violent offenders, which is in most cases the home environment and helping with programs for youth and through the economy to help stabilize some of the lives of these people in uncertain domestic situations. However, some are nasty and do NOT come from bad environments.
It sounds like a holistic approach but one which will deter the violent kids who take complete advantage of the absence of significant legal ramifications for their actions.
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Why make this a campaign issue? You're in power now Harper, start the process.
Just another cheap plow for a Conservative vote. Too bad I'm not that gullible.
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The reasons why the youths are involved in crime is a secondary consideration to the governments first obligation of keeping its citizens safe and providing justice to the victims and society at large. Let’s face it society will always have criminals and there is only so much the government can do. I for one am willing to live with young serious crime offenders dealt with harshly if for nothing else than to serve justice to the victims. We deserve justice first.
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MuskyBuck and Wendy…
You are SOOOOOO right. And a lot of these posters should be ashamed of their narrow views of a problem we all should be blamed for. Jeez, some people here seem like they would like to have scars burnt into anyone they are afraid of. What's next Scarlet A's? Burning at the stake? Lynching? Inquistions? Mob mentality, this is what Harper and the reformers do best.
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What are we now the US? We only have to look to the south to see the failure of jailing kids. The US has the largest prison population and its growing, they also have a growing prison industry. Don't you think that the prison industry would love to get into Canada. All the Conservatives have to do is de-regulate, then to justify the cost we'll have to start jailing everyone. Nope. You would have thunk that seeing what is happening to the south of us we would find other solutions. Nope. Just follow like sheep. The Conservatives will turn us into a police state, just like they are to the south of us. Fastest rising industry "prisons" the largest prison population, the only western country that jails kids all to the south of us.
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Over the past 30 or so years, the bleeding hearts have made shame a crime. However, shame is a great controller: if you are publicly shamed, the chances are you will not willingly go through the process a second time.
From my point of view, this is only the beginning: the entire Young Offenders' Act - or whatever it is called now - needs an major overhaul so that teen criminlas - and adults for that matter - are made truly responsible for their crimes and not just patted on the head and told "go forth and sin no more".
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What Harper is not truthful about is the FACT that most ALL institutions that take in troubled youth have a waiting list of OVER a year because of lack of funding. Harper is trying to use this small token to avoid the issue that he is not knowledgeable or reliable with regards to troubled youth.
Whether or not their names are publicized or not is skating away from the issue that Harper doesn't want to touch...if your not a part of the solution then your a part of the problem...
Jails house a college for criminal activity and to learn better ways of doing criminal activity....you pay about $500 a DAY per criminal. That cost will continue to rise as does all things. So like it or not the tax payers regardless if their conservative, Liberal, NDP, or Green...you WILL pay the tax for social program called jail.
Harper doesn't have a solution because he wants authoritarian justice and it solves absolutely nothing.
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Wendy it's not the brain that is not done developing on a 14 year old. It's their person as a whole, their self respect, respect for others, manners, they are starting to learn to be an adult. Right we now are putting in their brains that is ok to do a violent crime or any other crime cause because of their age they won't go to jail and they are protected. That's what's wrong. If they are old enough to do a so called adult the crime, than the punishment should be no different than an adult.
So yes to naming them publicly..nothing else has worked so far!!! I feel bad for the parents but any violent offender is someone's kid whether they are 14 or older.
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I am glad that the conservatives are moving towards a more strict YCJA. I do believe that in the most severe and heinous crimes a youth should be named, along with their parents. I think any kid who is raised properly by their parents will not commit severe acts and heinous crimes. Sure, teens rebel, get in fights once in a while, and might tag that bus stop by your house. What I agree with is publicizing the ones who are repeat major offenders, gang fights, rape, murder etc.
Youth do not have consequences for their actions as of now except a *slap on the wrist* so to speak. We need tougher sentencing!
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| Sal - really annoyed at some of these comments! |
Paul O'Brien says that it is a "mean spirited attitude" to name offenders.
I wonder how the families of murder victims feel when their children are displayed over and over on the news?
I wonder how "mean spirited" he would feel if some 14 year old kidnapped his kid out of his own back yard and tortured, raped and killed the child "to see what it felt like"?
"Mean Spirited" Paul, or just really really MAD! And in great pain!
The "poor young offender" gets "rehabilitated" but the parents and siblings get a LIFE of feeling unsafe and emotional pain.
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Oh Boy we are going to finally get tough on crime like in the States.
But then again we've seen how well that works don't we.
One of the highest incarceration rates in the world but still one of the most violent.
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This is a fantastic idea. But I'm more concerned about sentence times as a whole for all types of offenders, not just youth.
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I agree Tom Somers... it is a good start.. let's hope they run with the ball and make something of this new proposed plan, instead of just wagging their jaws about it and not doing anything in the end. (as usual)If kids want to do adult crimes, they should do adult times! A hard and painful lesson learned, but as long as they learn their lesson, society has dealt their justice.
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All you people against this Conservative effort, what's the Liberal's plan? Oh yeah they can tax crime like CO2 emissions. They can call it the victim tax, make it revenue neutral and solve nothing.
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So if Harper is being so secretive during his time in office then why does he want to disclose the names of young offenders. I guess there's political hypocrisy and a double standard here.
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to all and especially to Wendy. A young child as young as 4 or 5 knows the difference between right and wrong and so more so should a young adult who is 14 so as a person who lost someone to violence give me a break and way to go Harper.
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I'm a Liberal party member, but I like to hear this announcement. I think most of the "get tough on crime" policies of the Conservatives are counter-productive, but not this one. The publication ban on young offenders does more harm than good, in my opinion.
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Hey all...
Cracking down on crime at younger ages begins with two things. Education and consequence understanding. Those are the two things that any 14 yr old is going to understand. In terms of education, we fail our youths through our own wants in media. I can see the climb in youth violence when the top rated game available is Grand Theft Auto Four and Music Icons are sensatonalising the get rough and get tough attitude through being a thug. I agree with making our laws reflecting our daily affairs, but when our daily affairs are the reason behind increasing youth crime, what steps do we take to change that? I'd be happier if a party took that into account and adjusted policy towards that.
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You definitely have my vote Mr Harper. It is time we take the safety and peace in all our cities from the hands that chooses to spread chaos.
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To Wendy et al.
I am sure that most victims of crime will be glad to know that the "innocents" really didn't mean it. They were just not biologically focused.
Perhaps instead of some correctional facility, you would want to take a few of these "little lambs" in!
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I can't believe that anyone actually thinks that naming names will have any impact whatsoever on crime. Kids involved in criminal activity LOVE to have their names bandied about - it's about status and prestige for them. Parents of these kids are already in huge crisis and publishing names is only going to add to their grief - it definitely won't change the crime that's been committed nor will it be a deterrent for any others. Does anyone really think parents choose this for their children? Shame on you if you do. Obviously you're much superior to the rest of the humans on the planet. Tougher approach to crimes is a good thing - but this naming names is just a bunch of useless political hot air! But, go ahead and name names anyway -that'll really show them who's the boss!!
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Mr. Harper is not soft on crime ... he is actually impotent on crime. Yet another policy that will not have the desired effect.
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Where is the increased commitment to rehab? I see the increase in punishment which gives people a very false sense of security and justice but without additional funding for our pathetically underfunded institutions that provide treatment we will get no where fast.
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Good on you!
About time! give us the power to protect ourselves.
enough of the attitude that the mind of the young offender is immature and not developed.
these young thugs are killing and injuring in violent attacks on other persons. with no remorse.
Some would like to believe that they don't know what they are doing. Are we to believe that hitting someone in the head with a brick and throwing them in a river will have an unknown outcome.or shooting someone is just(BAD) childhood behavior.
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Just another good, common sense, idea. Well done. Just go down to your local court house, and see what a joke the youth justice system is (and make no mistake, the youth know it, manipulate it, and mock it.) The youth system actually breeds criminals, and sets them up for a life of crime.
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This is far over due. Young Offenders have known they can get away with murder and have on many occasions. The kids who killed the old East Indian Canadians in Vancouver got a slap on the wrist. Parliament makes the laws and it will be hard for any judge to refuse to carry out a tough law. Tories will win votes with this law all over Canada
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Why does believing that every person, regardless of their age, should be held accountable for their actions automatically make me a Conservative supporter? To me, it's just common sense. I'm a young voter, I haven't yet decided if I'm a Conservative supporter or not. I would like to think I'm centre, but according to this forum, I must be right wing. God knows I'm not left!
Growing up, I knew the difference between right and wrong. Sometimes I made the wrong decision, but at the age of 6 I knew that I could not kill or hurt another human being. There's a difference between theft and murder, don't fool yourself into believing there's not.
And I do agree that it starts with the parenting. It's the parents of my generation and younger that have royally screwed up. By walking alongside your children, holding their hands every step of the way, you have created a generation of children that doesn't know how to make a decision on their own. Let your children make mistakes and learn from them! Discipline them when they do something wrong so they know there are consequences for their actions! Your parents did that for you, and you seem to think your generation has turned out just perfect...
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HOORAY....It's about time someone is listening, I am so happy to hear Mr. Harper addressing the youth act. Please keep up the great work, and lets all make this happen
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