Changes to the youth justice system should not be part of the omnibus crime bill. They will put more young people in jail for longer times for lesser crimes. Jails are schools of crime for young people more than they teach young people to be responsible adults. We need a separate debate on youth justice that makes the best interests of children a top priority.
This analysis of the Throne Speech and Budget focuses on longer-term issues for children. Support for families is positive; how that support is delivered over the coming years will make a big difference for children and for Canadian society. Giving priority to children in program review is important for next year’s budget. Immediate attention is needed for …
The Government’s response to the Supreme Court decision on Omar Khadr must reflect the Court’s confirmation of the Best Interests of the Child as a matter of fundamental justice
Prevention of sexual exploitation through effective protection of the rights of children is the focus of CCRC at Senate Committee hearings.
CCRC calls for new mechanisms to implement international human rights agreements in Canada.
The CCRC drew attention to the issue of tasers and children through letters to members of the House of Commons Public Safety Committee. In an earlier presentation the RCMP stated that they use tasers on teenagers as young as 13 years old and they do not have specific policies or training for the use of tasers with adolescents. They also acknowledged publicly that use of this device poses high risks for the life and health of some targets, especially persons who are agitated.