The first problem with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposed “tough on crime” legislation is that being tough on crime is not in the Liberals’ DNA.

The origins of this dangerous philosophy can be traced back to Oct. 7, 1971, when Canada’s then-solicitor general, Jean-Pierre Goyer, representing the Liberal government of Pierre Trudeau, rose in Parliament to announce a new approach for dealing with criminals.

“For too long a time now, our punishment-oriented society has cultivated the state of mind that demands that offenders, whatever their age and whatever the offence, be placed behind bars,” Goyer said.

“Consequently, we have decided from now on to stress the rehabilitation of individuals rather than the protection of society … Our reforms will perhaps be criticized for being too lib

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