TORIES DENY ACCUSATION THEY'D JAIL 10-YEAR-OLDS

Officials Say No Plan Exists To Change Federal Legislation

OTTAWA -- The federal Conservatives say they have no plans to start
jailing 10-year-olds who run afoul of the law and are dismissing
suggestions to the contrary.

Public musings Monday by Justice Minister Vic Toews about modifying
the Youth Criminal Justice Act to cover children under age 12
prompted those accusations.

But officials said there is no plan to change the legislation and
Toews was merely offering options on how to help troubled kids at an
earlier age.

"The issue here isn't making a bunch of changes that will throw 10-
or 11-year-olds in jail," said Toews spokesman Mike Storeshaw.

"The issue here is making sure that the kids that have the potential
of falling through the cracks before they turn 12 are able to get the
treatment they need.

"If it means the courts need to step in to make sure they get that
treatment, then that's something we should be discussing."

He said that no mechanism currently exists within the justice system
that would force parents to seek special attention for children who
keep getting in trouble.

Toews's comments drew strong condemnations Tuesday from political
foes and from some non-political observers worried about giving
authorities the power to lock up young children.

The opposition Liberals issued a press release with the screaming
headline: Justice critic condemns Conservative plan to jail 10-year-olds.

"This government is going too far in their lock 'em up and throw away
the key approach to justice policy," said Liberal critic Sue Barnes.

"Locking up 10-year-olds is a ridiculous notion for a modern society.
. . Let's focus on treatment and prevention, and protect our children."

In Canada, the overall rate of youth crime has declined since the
early 1990s and fell six per cent last year. Barnes said that proves
that the current youth justice act, brought in by the previous
Liberal government, is working.

A prominent Ottawa human-rights lawyer agrees that there are better
ways to prevent crime, and they involve spending money on programs
that promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

"That's what really works," said Lawrence Greenspon.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act sets 12 as the minimum age of criminal
responsibility. Many other countries have lower ages of
responsibility. The minimum age is 10 in Britain and some U.S. states
have no minimum age at all.