Liberal Public Safety critic Mark Holland suggested recently that a future Liberal or coalition government might drastically reduce prison sentences.

Now criminal justice is one area where Conservatives and Liberals have profound differences. 

Conservatives believe criminals are personally responsible for their actions.   Whereas Liberals believe that criminals are men and women who just went astray because they suffer some sort of disadvantage in our uncaring society.
 
In practice, this means conservatives believe in tougher prison sentences because criminals must be held responsible for their actions, especially when they commit violent crimes. Conversely, Liberals demand more government spending on this program or that because the faults of our own society sow the seeds of crime.

As a conservative, I clearly believe in individual responsibility and a justice system which holds the individual responsible to account. Some criminals may have had a poor start in life. But a crime committed is not the victim’s fault. 

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.