| Make your way the Dear Editor: In our time we are wit- nessing an increasing break- down in family life, as indi- cated by a high divorce rate and -children being raised in single parent homes. The Baha’i faith offers guidclines for stable, happy marriages and a way of rais- ing moral, responsible chil- dren. The most important foun- dazion of a marriage is shared north shore news MAIL ROX spiritual values and shared service to others. The writ- ings of the Baha‘i faith say that if2 union between a man and a woman is only physical and material, then eventually they will go apart, but that if it is a spiritual as well as a physical union, then the cou- ple will always be happy and together, As to the raising of chil- dren, the parents must first and foremost provide them with spiritual education: that is, the parents must instili their children with a sense of compassion, justice, and community responsibility. In addition to these and other spiritual qualities, par- ents must ensure that their children receive training in the arts and sciences, and in practical matters. Parents must be willing to make great sacrifices for their children, and the children Baha'i way must in return honor and obey their parents. Finally, the family as a whole is more important than any of its individual mem- hers. The unity and good of the family must be cared for first, and its) members love, respect, and serve on another always. Brad Williams Secretary Baha’is of NV City Did vou know, B.C’s Children's Hospital Emergency Department was built fo care for a maximum of 50 children each day, but now, the Department sees an average 100 children each day? ted white, m.p. advertorial, December 17/97 THE YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT Parliament has now closed for the Christmas and New Year Break, but just prior to the start of the recess, Reform's Justice Critic, Jack Ramsay, released a ‘detailed explanation of his Private ‘Member's Bill C-210, An Act to Amend the Young Offenders Act. Jack's Bill incorporates a wide range of suggestions drawn from direct public input, : Submissions to parliamentary committees, and reports published by lobby groups. It is ‘also drafted under the premise that the fundamental purpose of Canada’s youth _justice system is the protection of society. The Bill is not, however, designed to repair social flaws such as dysfunctional families, economic hardships, or deficiencies within our, education system. These are better dealt with via effective social programs, sound economic policies, support for the family, and early detection/intervention programs. C-120 IN SUMMARY Following is a summary of the major changes which would be made to the present Young Offenders Act by C-210: « Lowers the minimum age limit of the YOA from 12 to 10 years of age. } At present, the police have no control whatsoever over 10 and 11 year old - offenders, who account for about 5% of all youth crimes. An 11 year old Toronto boy whe understood this helped to confine and rape a young girl but could only be turned § over to social services. *Lowers the maximum age of the YOA from 17 to 15 years of age. f Youths of 16 and 17 are permitted to drive cars, marry, and five on their own. They are f able to distinguish right from wrong and J rust be held accountable, in adult court, for crimes they commit. “Differentiates between non-violent and violent crime. in many cases, prison is detrimental to young persons who commit minor offenses. © Moves all 14 and 15 year old violent offenders automatically to adult court. * increases the maximum length of all sentences. The present maximum sentence for violent crimes (except murder) would be increased from 3 to 7 years. « Makes rehabilitative i mandatory. The majority of young offenders presently decide against voluntary participation in programs such programs, opting instead for less constructive activities like watching television or playing games. *Requires a minimum 6 months probation after all prison sentences. ¢ Allows publication of the names of violent young offenders. The rape and murder of a young girl by Jason Gaumache might not have happened if her parents had been aware of her baby-sitter’s criminal record. Creates a Dangerous Offender status for two or more violent crimes. There are currently NO provisions in the YOA for repeat violent offenders. Encourages wider use of community based Justice Committees for non- violent and first time offenders. Young offenders’ records would be treated the same as those for aduits. Judges must know an offender's past in order to properly sentence, the police have a right to know that an offender has moved to their community, and the offender's history is necessary in determining dangerous offender status. *Requires parents or guardians to appear at all court proceedings. WHEN WILL IT BECOME LAW? The chances that Bill C-210 will become law under a Liberal Government are next to zero. Even if it was to be drawn in the Private Member's Bill lottery. and even if it was then made votable by the Government, and even if it subsequently passed in the House, the Government would probably never send it for Royal Assent. The Prime Minster has a well documented history of ignoring any initiative, even by MPs of his own Party, which would make things tougher for criminals. Correction: in my October 29/97 report on the MAI,! incorrectly indicated that the Council of Canadians had sent out letters condemning the MAI. While The Council of Canadians has held meetings to protest the MAI, and has written newspaper | articles protesting the MAI, it has apparently not yet sent out a letter condemning the MAI. If 1 was a gambling man though, | would bet that a fetter on the | subject is a future certainty. They need a good fund-raising issue now that all the dire predictions of Free Trade and NAFTA have turned out to be flutf. Ted White, M.P. , #302-1200 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, B.C. VI 2A2 Tel.: 666-0585 Fax: 666-0509, Internet: http://www.reform.ca/white-t/ Tank* Francaise" Watch 18K god 18K gold and steet Steet. (50 min pkg,} SAVE $10 horized Cartier this week only % BIRKS MAKING EVERY OCCASION SPECIAL 698 WEST HASTINGS ST. 669-3333 * PARK ROYAL 922-9361 134 E. 15th St. N.Van. 985-3207 iptus taxes & envirodevy ... ~ hee 4 wheel Brake inspection and report. derhdod fiuid-tod tip . xterhal fights & tire inspection: «7 ; t 4 tire Inspection: Limited time offer. Additianal cha'ge tar devel models. ©1996 Carer Ine. “Design Patent Ponding