PARDONS - EX-CON

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How much punishment is enough?

That's the hot topic of discussion this week, after Public Safety Minister Vic Toews tabled a new bill that would change Canada's clemency laws. Under the proposed legislation, pardons would become known as "records of suspension." Those who have sexually abused children or who have committed repeated crimes would be ineligible. And those who are eligible would have to wait two to five years longer to apply.

Sex offenders Graham James and Karla Homolka have been used as examples of criminals who would be prevented from getting a pardon under the new bill. But the proposed changes would affect small-time convicts as well.

Neal Cornish is a student and a teacher at a Manitoba youth centre. He also has a criminal record. We reached Mr. Cornish at the Broadway Neighbourhood Community Centre in Winnipeg.
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