Statistics released this week show nearly across the board decreases in crime across the country, but local member of Parliament Brent Rathgeber wants more done to address youth crime.
Statistics Canada published its annual survey of police-reported crime that showed a continuing decline in the overall crime rate, with a three per cent decline in 2009 and a 17 per cent decline over the last decade.
The Crime Severity Index, a statistical measure the agency created to show the severity of crimes, also declined four per cent last year and has declined 22 per cent over the last decade.
Youth crime and its severity also declined last year, but over the last 10 years increased, with the severity index for youth up 10 per cent.
Rathgeber said the increase is a strong indicator that a bill the Conservatives have proposed that would change the Youth Criminal Justice Act should be passed quickly.
The bill, C-4, was introduced in March and remained in the justice committee when the House of Commons rose for summer recess.
Rathgeber said opposition members have called for more and more witnesses to comment on the bill, all with a similar message against tougher rules.
"They are giving us the same message day after day, week after week and now month after month," he said. "I am starting to think the committee may never be satisfied that we have heard enough witnesses."
The bill would change several measures, such as making it easier for youth to be sentenced in adult court for serious crimes.
Rathgeber said when youth make repeated appearances in court or commit serious crimes, they need to face real consequences.
"Society requires protection from that type of individual and the custodial periods under the Youth Criminal Justice Act are inadequate."
The bill would also change the sentencing philosophy for youth, allowing a judge to consider more than just the youth in front of them, but the idea of deterring other youth and denouncing the crime with a stiff penalty.
On the broader trends, Rathgeber said the declining crime rates are obviously a good sign but some of the declines could be coming from fewer crimes being reported.
He said the government would continue pursuing their tough-on-crime agenda.
Different take
Alberta's Privacy Commissioner, Frank Work, also weighed in on the new numbers this week, noting that they call into question moves towards surveillance technology.
"I would like very much, although I think it is incredibly naïve of me, for the public and politicians to be a little more questioning when there are calls for greater surveillance."
He said whether it is surveillance cameras or broader police powers, the public should think long and hard about infringements on their privacy, especially if the justification is to prevent crime.
"We are not in crisis mode. The numbers prove that our society is safer than it was 10 years ago."
