Monday, May 12, 2008

Judy Sgro Questions the Government on the Death Penalty

Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, this weekend the governor of Montana stated that he would have entertained a request for clemency for a Canadian on death row. The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were both given the opportunity to intervene, but neither did.

Clearly the old Reform policy to not seek clemency for Canadians on death row is now Canada's policy under the Conservative government. Who specifically made this life or death decision?

Hon. Rob Nicholson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, the government has been very clear on this issue. There is no death penalty in Canada and there are no plans to change the law.

With respect to those individuals who are convicted abroad, they of course will receive consular services but each decision will be on a case by case basis.

Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, the minister means there is no death penalty in Canada yet.

The Conservative government has been clear that it is in favour of the death penalty. This case by case basis of cherry-picking used by the minister is unacceptable. It ensures that some Canadians will be put to death as a result of this position. Will the Minister of Justice tell the House what criteria he is using to decide who lives and who dies?

Hon. Rob Nicholson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC):

Again, Mr. Speaker, we have been very clear that individuals who commit murders or multiple murders abroad and are convicted of course will continue to receive consular services, but we will deal with each case on a case by case basis.