Unfortunately, not only is the substance abuse defence in vogue for current trials, but individuals already convicted of murder are now appealing their conviction, citing this defence. If this trend continues it will be difficult to get a murder conviction in Canada. While the legal profession may defend this trend as being in step with the current law and legal precedence, the general public is outraged. If the government were serious about its promise to protect women and children from violence it would change the law to make people responsible for their actions. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity today, International Women's Day, to speak on the future of young women in Canada.
Young women face the same pressures as their male counterparts when they consider their future.
They are concerned about obtaining a quality education and about having employment opportunities. However they face the added pressures of being women in a society that is not always receptive to their needs and is often hostile. I urge the government to take into account the unique needs of young Canadian women as it addresses the overall social and economic needs for our society. If we are ever to obtain full equality we must first obtain economic independence. We must improve our education and training opportunities for women and we must provide them with employment opportunities.