Serious problems have developed since the Youth Criminal Justice Act came into force in 2003
Ottawa (8 Feb. 2006) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is urging Canada's new Conservative government to deal urgently with shortcomings that have emerged since the country's Youth Criminal Justice Act came into force in 2003.
"Unfortunately, promised community supports are lacking," James Clancy, president of the 340,000-member union, says in a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"Many of these young people find themselves in a cycle of offending, are released to virtually non-existent programs, commit another offence and are once again released. Then, upon turning 18 years old, they are confronted by an adult system that deals far more harshly with them," Clancy says.
"Reports are that these offenders, now in the adult system, become more violent and more difficult to rehabilitate. Surely a better way of dealing with youth crime is possible. Currently we are doing a considerable disservice to the young person, their families and the community."
Clancy is urging the new prime minister to launch a national process of discussion and consultation with groups who have expertise in dealing with young offenders to address shortcomings in the system as it is now operating.
"Listen to our members, the police and the citizens of this country," Clancy urges. "Let’s work together to make safer communities and a safer Canada. NUPGE
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February 6, 2006 The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P. C. , M. P. Dear Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to bring up a matter with you that was raised, unsatisfactorily, with the previous Prime Minister. It specifically deals with concerns the National Union of Public and General Employees has about the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). I have taken the liberty of enclosing a copy of the National Union’s report, Safer Communities, Safer Canada, for your consideration. The National Union represents correctional officers and youth facility workers in most provinces in Canada. These women and men are among those who work on the frontlines of Canada’s criminal justice system. They see first hand how changes to legislation or policing impact on the administration of justice and the community. At a recent national meeting of representatives of the sector, there were repeated similar stories of shortcomings and outright failings in the existing Youth Criminal Justice Act. Sadly many of the concerns we raised in our report Safer Communities, Safer Canada still exist. Indeed indications are that the situation has only deteriorated. Some provincial governments have used the new legislation as a rationale to close youth facilities without consideration of the workers or improving community based programs. Our members, the police and, increasingly, media reports suggest that the desired effects of the legislation have not been realized. Our members have observed, and this is supported by research from Statistics Canada, that the implementation of the YCJA has led to a dramatic decrease in the incarceration rates of young offenders. Unfortunately, promised community supports are lacking. Many of these young people find themselves in a cycle of offending, are released to virtually non-existent programs, commit another offence and are once again released. Then, upon turning 18 years old, they are confronted by an adult system that deals far more harshly with them. Reports are that these offenders, now in the adult system, become more violent and more difficult to rehabilitate. Surely a better way of dealing with youth crime is possible. Currently we are doing a considerable disservice to the young person, their families and the community. I agree that Canada needs to adopt a progressive approach to dealing with youth crime. There are aspects of the YCJA that the National Union supports and even applauds. However, there are some serious deficiencies in the legislation. The government needs to hear from Canadians about the legislation and take action to address their concerns. During the election campaign most parties, yours included, committed to introducing changes in legislation to more effectively deal with violent and gun related crimes. There were discussions of mandatory sentences and other related measures. These policies will have system-wide impact in corrections and merit full and careful public debate, broad consultation and informed deliberation. It is widely expected that these changes to legislation will be raised early in the upcoming session of Parliament. The National Union is suggesting that your government consider hosting a series of roundtable discussions, across the country, looking at the issue of youth crime and the impact of the YCJA on communities. Listen to our members, the police and the citizens of this country. Let’s work together to make safer communities and a safer Canada. Sincerely yours, (original signed by) James Clancy Encl. |
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