Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu: Welcome to the Senate, Senator Gold. Since Bill C-5 came into force, two violent sex offenders, a drug trafficker possessing a prohibited and loaded firearm, and a stepmother who beat and starved her 11-year-old stepson received a sentence to be served at home rather than in prison. Senator Gold, I’d like to remind you of what you said in this place when we debated Bill C-5.

We absolutely agree that serious criminal behaviour should be met with serious sanctions. Under Bill C-5, the offences listed in this amendment will continue to result in a prison sentence almost all of the time.

Do you believe that sexually assaulting someone, beating and starving a child and drug trafficking with prohibited firearms constitute serious criminal behaviour?

Senator Boisvenu: It would appear that the Supreme Court doesn’t trust its judges. As recently as the last few years, the Supreme Court has asked judges to treat sexual assault cases more harshly. This means that the sentences weren’t severe enough in the past.

Minister Lametti told us publicly in committee that Bill C-5 “. . . does not affect mandatory minimum sentences for sexual assault.” Two violent sex offenders received house arrest; in that case, the Crown attorney stated the following: “. . . Justin Trudeau and [Minister of Justice] David Lametti probably have some explaining to do to victims . . .”. Once again, victims’ trust in the justice system is shattered. I remind you that the four cases cited are in Quebec.

Senator Gold, will your government explain itself to victims of crime sooner rather than later?