Alberta Justice on Youth

The Edmonton Safe Parent Association was invited to attend a round table meeting with Minister R Ambrose, Minister R Nicholson, MP Laurie Hawn, Mayor Mandel, Chief Boyd, RC.M.P., Mr. Sheeman, Mr. Russell, the Principle of Ross Shepherd High School and a representative from the Aboriginal Women’s Council. Dawn Banner, VP Administration and I attended the meeting on behalf of the ESPA.

The topic was youth violence and safety. Minister Nicholson is very passionate about the subject and is proposing several changes in the Youth laws. The goal is to have nine (9) bills passed in Parliament regarding youth. These bills would create a harder stance then what is currently being used. He understands that these proposals will not eliminate a lot of what is going on, but, it is a first step.

The bills will relate to the following:

1.     Restrict house arrest for serious crimes — those charges with serious crimes should be put in jail, they should not be allowed to stay at home.

2.     Impose mandatory minimum sentences — at the moment there are guidelines for maximum sentences, he feels that if there was a guaranteed minimum it may curtail quite a few crimes from happening.

3.     Harsher sentences for impaired driving, whether it is due to drugs or alcohol.

4.     He would like street racing addressed.

5.     Raising the age of consent from 14 years to 16 years.

6.     Repeat and dangerous offenders will have extended stays in jail.

7.     Create a new position — Victims Ombudsman.

The round table discussion was done in topics. Each Panel member was given a chance to speak and give the audience ideas and perceptions on the topic. Discussions were held on drugs, gangs, violence/bullies and prevention.

A question period was held after the meeting where those attending could ask questions. I found the talk to be very interesting and informative. Personally, I hope that these proposals go through.

Karen Larsen

Program Co-ordinator