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To Amend the Young Offenders Act

93.8 To Amend the Young Offenders Act

[Whereas,] Rationale:

There is significant pressure to amend the Young Offenders Act due to concerns about the high number of repeat offenders. If criminal records of young offenders remain intact, repeat offenders can be identified. However, the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) believes that emphasizing rehabilitation and re-education is the most effective way to reduce repeat offenses.

Resolved:

  1. The National Council of Women of Canada urges the Government of Canada to amend the Young Offenders Act, Bill C12, November 1991, to include:
    a) Section 20(2)(K.1):
    A committal to custody shall not exceed two years from the date of committal, subject to subsection 26.1(1).
    b) Section 16(1.1):
    When determining matters referred to in subsection (1), the youth court shall retain the criminal records of the young offender in the interest of society, etc.
  2. The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to further amend the Young Offenders Act to prioritize the rehabilitation and re-education of young offenders from the moment they come to the attention of legal authorities.