Pubdate: Wed, 17 May 2006
Source: Huntsville Forester, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 The Huntsville Forester
Contact:  http://www.huntsvilleforester.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2430
Author: Tony Clement, MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT KEEPS ITS PROMISES ON CRIME, GUNS AND DRUGS

Promises made, promises kept. This is the new federal government led 
by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The recent federal budget proved 
this to be true, and so did the announcement by the prime minister on 
April 19 in Winnipeg that the new Conservative government would crack 
down on crime and criminals, gangs and guns, and drugs.

Stephen Harper's announcment outlined our government's "get tough on 
crime" package, which was promised during the recent federal 
election. It included a promise that this spring, we would introduce 
the first three steps in our plan to comprehensively reform our 
criminal justice system. Sure enough, and true to our word, on May 4 
Justice Minister Vic Toews introduced legislation to toughen 
sentencing for crimes involving firearms by enhancing the mandatory 
minimum penalty provisions of the Criminal Code, and as well as 
legislation that would end the use of conditional sentences, 
including house arrest, for serious offences.

Our new government made a clear commitment to get tough with gun 
crime and we will not tolerate gun and gang-related crimes in our 
communities. If criminals are to be held to account, they must face a 
punishment that matches the severity of their crime.

By ensuring that tougher mandatory minimum sentences are imposed for 
serious and repeat firearms crime, our government is moving to 
restore confidence in the justice system, and make our streets and 
communities safer. As we promised during the election campaign, there 
will be clear consequences for crimes committed with guns and prison 
sentences that are in keeping with the gravity of the offences. 
Serious crime will mean serious time.

Under the proposed legislation, the use of a firearm in committing a 
serious offence will be subject to tough sentencing. If, for example, 
an offence is gang-related, or if a restricted or prohibited firearm 
such as a handgun is used, the minimum penalty will be five years for 
a first offence, seven years if the accused has one prior conviction 
involving the use of a firearm to commit an offence, and 10 years if 
the accused has more than one prior conviction. These sentences are mandatory.

Other firearm-related offences, such as firearms trafficking and 
smuggling, or the new offence of robbery where a firearm is stolen, 
will also be subject to higher escalating minimum penalties. They 
include three years on a first offence and five years if the accused 
has a serious prior firearm-related conviction. These sentences too 
will be mandatory.

Our government also plans on implementing a new National Drug 
Strategy, and we will be raising the age of consent for sexual 
relations between children and adults from 14 to 16 years of age. The 
increased age of consent will bring Canada more in line with the rest 
of the world, such as the U.K, Australia and most American states.

Winnipeg police chief and President of the Canadian Association of 
Chiefs of Police, Jack Ewastski, has praised our government and said 
that his association supports mandatory sentencing for serious crimes 
as well as the elimination of conditional sentencing for those 
convicted of serious offences.

He said that his association is "heartened to know the Harper-led 
government's stated commitment to enacting a national drug strategy, 
with a particular focus on youth. This is a topic of ongoing concern 
to the CACP because of the harms associated with substance abuse, the 
use of illicit drugs, the human costs to individuals, families and 
communities, and the challenges presented for both prevention and law 
enforcement."

We will continue to pursue our government's priorities, not only in 
the area of crime and community safety but in all areas. The people 
of my riding, and all Canadians, can be assured that we will deliver 
on our promises  somewhat of a novelty given the 13 years of Liberal 
broken promises and mismanagement.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman