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Opinions vary about the success of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, but here in New Brunswick something doesn't seem right.

There is a popular view on one side of the divisive fence that believes the YCJA's current structure is too relaxed when it comes to punishing our young offenders.

A 2008 report by Statistics Canada said the country's violent crime rate among youth (12 to 17 years old) increased by 12 per cent between 1997 and 2006, and 30 per cent since 1991. Between 1991 and 2006 in NB, the province's overall youth crime rate increased 40 per cent, tops in Canada.

Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, with assistance from Fundy-Royal MP Rob Moore, visited New Brunswick and other Atlantic provinces last week for roundtable discussions about possible changes contained in Bill C-25 to sharpen the YCJA's teeth.

These changes, Nicholson and the Conservative government hope, will curb a climbing crime rate for violent offenses committed by those age 12-17.

The changes the bill wants to make would broaden the circumstances in which judges can consider custodial remand, while a second change adds denunciation and the deterrence of criminal activity to the principles of sentencing.

The YCJA appears to have done its job (in certain parts of Canada) when it comes to minor youth crimes, but Nicholson isn't looking to tackle mischief and property crimes. He wants to send a message to those who commit violent offenses, such as aggravated assault, and rightly so.

Giving judges to power to send a message when they see it is warranted shouldn't be as much of a concern as some might propose. There is a feeling among many that young offenders can "get away with murder" and they know it.

Efforts to rehabilitate young criminals or aid to diagnose mental health issues cannot and should not change, but at the same time, young people who break the law should know that courts won't go easy on them because they are young, especially if the severity of their criminal actions escalate or shows no sign of stopping.

The security the YCJA provides them may also be used to provide security for the general public. Taking away their so-called feeling of invincibility and allowing a hard-learned lesson or two should be an acceptable option to get the message across.