Page:1954 Juvenile Delinquency Testimony.pdf/277

Rh There was another case against Kitchener News Co., Ltd., distribu- tor, again in the magistrate court. ‘hey were fined 325. They ap- peated.

The appeals court quashed the conviction on technical ground that the indictment was incorrectly drawn. ‘he attorney general informs me that he is proceeding with a new trial on a fresh mdictment. That is, so far as i have been able fo ascertain, the record of court cases dealing with this new law, relatively new Jaw, in Canada.

I believe that the court cases show that the Jaw is workable and effective and the problem is euforcement with, as my personal opinion, a desirability of providing heavier penally and really effective penal- ties for those ai the top who have the greatest responsibility in the chain of cirenlaiion.

One other interesting and encouraging result which has flowed from our legislation is that im a number of cities in Canada, particularly after the last discussion, when the amended criminal] code came up before the Heuse and we had extensive and quite mteresting debate ou that section, as a result of that publicity, at least I think it is partly asa result of that publicity, a number of both wholesale and retail distributors are approaching citizens’ committees in some of our cities and saying. “We don't want to break the law im the first place and we certainly don't want to run the risk of prosecution, We would like you to cooperate with us by svggesting to us the offensive titles and if you will do that we would like you to get a representative committee so that it does not just reileet the minority viewpoint. Jf veu will do that we will agree to withdraw these titles from circulation.”

I think that springs in some measure from the existence of the leg- islation.

As I say, I regard it as a qnite encouraging indication that this legislation can and will produce beneficial results in Canada, although T am afraid again I must confess that I am not suggesting that if is the complete answer or that it has yet provided a complete eltmi- nation of this type of undesirable publication.

That, Mv. Chairman, concludes the statement which I have to make.

J appreciate your having listened to me so patiently. L-apologize for having taken rather lengthy time. I am very much interested in this subject.

li I have abused your hospitality by going on too long, that is because of my interest in the subject,

The. You have been very helpful and you have made a contribution.

Senator Hennines. I, too, want to thank you very much and apologize in turn. IT was asked by some representatives of the press to get an exhibit of one of the things that was in evidence this mori- ing, J was engaged in that effort during the latter part of your stutement. I shall read with great interest the record.

The. I might add it was a very able statement, well presented.

Mr. Fuirvon. Thank vou very much,

The. I think that Canada is fortunate in having such an able representative in its Parliament.

Counsel, do you have any questions?

Mr. . Just one, Mr. Chairman.