Yesterday I asked the government about the consequences of Bill C-10, a Bill that will increase prison sentences and require judges to impose minimum sentences. This Bill will mainly impact Aboriginal women and young offenders by increasing their chances to reoffend . Even Texas Republicans agree that Bill C-10 will not reduce crime,  will be extremely costly and is totally inefficient. We should all be worried about the future of Canada when Texas Republicans believe that Harper’s tough on crime agenda is too ideological and too right-wing.

“Honourable senators, my question is directed to the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

1) Aboriginal Women in Prison

Aboriginal women are unjustly targeted by Bill C-10. According to the Native Women’s Association of Canada, as of 2011, Aboriginal women represent less than 4 per cent of the Canadian population but over 34 per cent of the federal prison population.

The Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada states that the higher rate of incarceration for Aboriginal peoples has been linked to systemic discrimination and attitudes based on racial and/or cultural prejudice, as well as economic and social deprivation, substance abuse, or a cycle of violence across generations.

Bill C-10 will guarantee that Aboriginal women remain in prison for longer and will greatly reduce their chances of reintegrating into society with skills that would enable them to break free from a life of crime.

When will the Conservative government amend Bill C-10 by taking into consideration these facts and addressing the numerous socio-economic problems that force these women into an endless cycle of criminality and despair?

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