SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 133 - Nov/23/22

Nov/23/22 2:09:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on October 31, students of the secondary school in Oka took action to raise awareness among their peers. During a spooky haunted mansion tour on Halloween, nine young girls in black capes held a tombstone with the names of Quebec's most recent femicide victims. At the end of the tour, there was a banner that read, “Were you afraid? We don't want to spend our whole lives being afraid”. Eight hundred people signed the banner in a show of support. On November 4, I met with these young 13- and 14-year-olds, who wanted to send a message to us, parliamentarians, because we have the power to change things. Does it seem normal that, every day, in 2022, a woman wonders whether she will be next? That is absolutely unbelievable. I would like to invite members from all parties to join their voices to mine and to those of the students and staff members who supported their initiative. Let us stand in solidarity against violence towards women. Not one more.

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Context: House Hansard - 133 - Nov/23/22

Mr. Rhéal Fortin

Nov/23/22 5:36:35 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-4

Madam Speaker, I would like to once again thank my colleague opposite. I share his opinion on that. I too believe that victims of domestic violence, harassment or sex crimes, among others, would fully agree most of the time or be enthusiastic about proceeding remotely. However, in committee, I realized to my great surprise that that is not always the case. Some victims want to confront their attacker. That is a good example showing that choice is important. Some victims do not want their attackers to hide; they want to see their faces when they tell them what they have to say. They want to see how they will react when they are told they are guilty and what they did is unacceptable. For those men and women, it is important to be there in person. That also happens to men occasionally. For some litigants, it is important to be there in person. Others found their experience so troubling that they never again want to have anything to do with their attackers. They do not want to see them. Yes, my colleague is quite right, and I have a lot of empathy for the victims and the litigants. I believe we must respect their choice with regard to the judicial process.

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Context: House Hansard - 133 - Nov/23/22

Mr. Randall Garrison

Nov/23/22 5:58:35 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-4

Madam Speaker, I think the question brings up an important point. In this bill, we are looking to adopt a broader use of technology, not just for the sake of a broader use of technology, but to provide greater access to justice, as part of this, and that flexibility. I think we had the important suggestion made by the member for Timmins—James Bay about how sometimes using technology allows victims to participate more freely in these kinds of systems than if they have to appear in front of someone who has caused them great harm in person. I think that there are lots of advantages, in addition to the efficiency advantages, in Bill S-4.

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Context: House Hansard - 133 - Nov/23/22

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux

Nov/23/22 6:07:45 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-4

Madam Speaker, in fairness, I had made a note, and the member for Timmins—James Bay does on occasion say something interesting when he rises. On this occasion, he recognized the important role that video conferencing can play for victims. Mr. Charlie Angus: I was the only one who thought of that. Mr. Kevin Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, yes, he was one of the only individuals who mentioned it today. In the past, I, and others, have had the opportunity to recognize the importance of victims and how we can be there to support victims. I appreciated the member's comments. We are taking a look at ways we can use technology, and this would not only make our courts more efficient, but it would also assist victims who have been put in difficult positions. If we can make it easier by working through the courts and getting that consensus to ensure that person can appear via video conference, then we should take advantage of that situation. I was quite encouraged by what appears to be unanimous consent to go forward with the legislation. That is very encouraging. When the legislation comes before us next, I will continue on that point, recognizing that we do have an opportunity to hopefully get Bill S-4 to committee. I respect what the members from the Bloc were saying, that the Quebec legal bar association is looking at ways it can enhance or improve the legislation. I suspect there could be some amendments coming forward. I look forward to its ultimately passage, and I will conclude my remarks the next time this comes before the House.

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