Pubdate: Fri, 29 Feb 2008
Source: Tribune, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wellandtribune.ca/webapp/sitepages/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2807
Author: Corey LaRocque

ANTI-CRIME LAW RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT

Two out of three ain't bad for the federal Conservative government 
which, two weeks ago, faced a possible defeat over three different issues.

But royal assent for Justice Minister Rob Nicholson's Tackling 
Violent Crime Act on Thursday resolved one of the confidence issues 
whose defeat would bring down the minority government. "We were 
prepared to go to the people on this," said Nicholson, the MP for 
Niagara Falls.

He was frustrated by the Liberal-dominated Senate's refusal to pass 
the legislation which had been fast-tracked through the House of 
Commons last year. Two weeks ago, Nicholson issued a March 1 deadline 
for the Senate to pass it or risk triggering an election. The 
anti-crime law was so key to Conservative agenda, if it didn't pass, 
Nicholson said he would tell Prime Minister Stephen Harper they had 
lost the confidence of Parliament.

"It's a major part of what we promised Canadians on tackling violent 
crime," Nicholson said. "Any attempt to sabotage or defeat this 
legislation, we would consider it a confidence measure and let 
Canadians decide."

With Nicholson's bill through and apparent agreement with the 
Liberals over Canada's role in Afghanistan, this week's federal 
budget is the remaining issue that could bring down Harper's government.

The Tackling Violent Crime Act was an omnibus bill made up of several 
bills that weren't passed in the Harper government's first 
legislative session in 2006. It creates tougher bail and sentencing 
provisions for those who use guns to commit crimes, raises the age of 
sexual consent to 16 years from 14, and helps police get tough on 
impaired drivers.

With Thursday's political win behind him, Nicholson said he will push 
a second round of justice legislation which will include mandatory 
jail time for people who import drugs, sell drugs to children or work 
in marijuana growing operations.

"I think we're sending a very clear message they can expect jail time 
under our legislation," Nicholson said.

The next two weeks in Ottawa will be absorbed by budget votes, but 
Nicholson said he could roll out his next bill in early April.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom