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