My daughter and her friends were violently attacked by a gang of girls. They were ambushed and brutally beaten, with rocks used as weapons against them. One of these attackers is currently on probation for another violent crime involving a young girl who was left partially blind in one eye. This situation underscores the dire need for reform in how we handle young offenders in Canada.

The current framework under the Young Offenders Act provides leniency that sometimes fails to address the severity of crimes committed by youth. While rehabilitation is important, it should not come at the expense of public safety and justice for victims. The act, in its present form, does not effectively deter repeat offenses, leaving dangerous individuals free to reoffend.

Statistics indicate that youth violent crime is an increasing concern in Canada. According to a 2020 report by Statistics Canada, over 42% of youth admitted to committing some form of violent crime. This calls for an urgent review of the systems in place to ensure they are equipped to handle serious crimes, reducing the risk to innocent individuals.

What we propose is a comprehensive revision of the Young Offenders Act. This should include stricter consequences for violent crimes, mechanisms that focus on preventing recidivism, and support programs aimed at genuinely rehabilitating young offenders.

By revising the act, we can better protect our communities and foster an environment where rehabilitation does not mean putting innocent lives at risk. Our children's safety, including that of my daughter and her friends, is paramount.

I call upon the Canadian government and decision-makers to take immediate action in reassessing the Young Offenders Act. We must prioritize the safety of our youth and the community by ensuring that justice is served appropriately. Please join me in signing this petition to demand a safer and more accountable justice system for young offenders in Canada.