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Canadian Press

A newborn baby was found on a porch in a shoebox in Laval. Police are investigating.

The Canadian Press, Montreal, Laval, Friday, April 26, 2019

Laval police say a newborn baby left in a shoebox earlier this week was in stable condition Friday and her mother could face charges stemming from the discovery.

 They received a 911 call around noon Wednesday from a woman who said someone left the baby girl in a box on her balcony.

Const. Stephanie Beshara says not long after, an area hospital informed them of an 18-year-old who was seeking treatment following childbirth but had no baby with her.

Police allege the woman gave birth alone in an apartment and left it on her neighbour's balcony in the city's Chomedey district.

They estimate the baby spent between 90 minutes and two hours outside while temperatures hovered around seven degrees.

Beshara says the woman has been placed under arrest, but investigators haven't spoken to her because she has been receiving medical treatment.

She could face a charge of failing to provide the necessities of life, but Beshara said it will be up to the Crown to decide.

The baby is in the custody of Quebec youth protection.

2008 Federal Election

CBC TV

Conservatives vow to toughen youth justice act

Youth 14 and over would be named when convicted of serious crimes

CBC, September 22, 2008

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said tougher sentences for young people who commit crimes will serve as a deterrent.

Under the Conservative leader's proposal, young people 14 and over found guilty of crimes such as manslaughter, murder or aggravated assault would face tougher sentences, and no longer have their identities protected.

The act currently forbids the release of young offenders' identities, unless the accused are found guilty and handed adult sentences.  Read More ..

Supreme Court of Canada determines if youths will be charged or sentenced as adults for crimes, not Prime Minister

Toronto Star logo

Top court, not PM, calls the tune

The Toronto Star
September 24, 2008

Prime Minister Stephen Harper can say what he wants and promise what he dares.

But when it comes to this country's laws, the Supreme Court of Canada decides what's constitutional and what's not.

This past May, the Supremes declared in a 5-4 decision that the Youth Criminal Justice Act is unconstitutional, in parts, as written: Those under age 18 cannot be sentenced as adults, nor identified, unless the Crown persuades a judge of the necessity for doing so.  Read More ..