Monday, June 7, 2010 · sitting No. 57

Commons advances bill to restrict pardons for serious crimes

The House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-23, the Eliminating Pardons for Serious Crimes Act. Conservative MP Dave MacKenzie told members the bill would replace the term pardon with record suspension and bar such relief for those convicted of sexual offences against children. Liberal MP Mark Holland said the measure went too far by removing judicial discretion in minor cases.

Question period focused on the cost and content of the G8 and G20 summits. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff asked why Canadian taxpayers received no commitments on maternal health, climate change or banking reform. Conservative MP John Baird replied that the meetings advanced jobs and economic recovery and that Canada's finance minister had been named Finance Minister of the Year.

Other exchanges covered the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement at report stage and the proposed Gwaii Haanas marine conservation area.

Decided that day

• Bill C-9 passed
• Five amendments to Bill C-9 defeated
• Bills S-9 and S-5 advanced to first chamber
• Bills C-526, C-527 and C-34 introduced

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard