Pubdate: Thu, 08 Dec 2011
Source: Merritt Herald (CN BC)
Copyright: 2011 Merritt Herald
Contact:  http://www.merrittherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1446
Author: Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla

MP REPORT: LACK OF INFO QUICKLY TURNS TO MISINFORMATION

In my relatively brief time as a Member of Parliament I have observed 
that when there is a lack of information that void is filled very 
quickly with misinformation. Case in point is Bill C-10, otherwise 
known as the omnibus crime bill. Some would have you believe that the 
intent of this bill is solely about incarcerating anyone and everyone 
convicted of committing a crime, regardless of the severity, and 
essentially throwing away the key.  I believe it is important to talk 
about the types of serious crime that are actually being targeted in Bill C-10.

Child Pornography. If you choose to manufacture or distribute 
pornographic material involving children you can expect a minimum six 
month jail sentence instead of the current 90 day maximum. Engage in 
sexual assault against a child and you will go to jail and no longer 
be eligible for house arrest. "Date Rape" drugs will now be recognized 
for the real danger they can present to innocent victims. These types 
of crimes are not restricted to larger urban areas, families and 
innocent victims have been subject to these types of serious crimes 
here in our riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla.

I have met with victims and attended events that focus on 
victimization and the cruel impacts of sexual assault. Those who have 
suffered these types of traumas are understandably looking for changes 
and greater protection to the public from sexual predators.

Bill C-10 also addresses other subjects that many citizens have 
requested action on. For example Bill C-10 will ensure that those who 
commit manslaughter or aggravated assault will no longer be able to 
return to the community under house arrest. I can pass on from a 
recent experience in one Okanagan residential neighborhood that when a 
killing has occurred and the alleged assailant is allowed to return to 
the community in question this situation creates fear and anxiety for 
all involved. 

Everyday law abiding citizens should not be afraid for their own 
safety or the safety of a loved one nor fear being able to go for a 
walk or visit friends and neighbors.

Two of the most common areas of misunderstanding about Bill C-10 
pertain to increased enforcement penalties for drug offences, 
including marijuana, and a belief by some that that there are no 
rehabilitation aspects to Bill C-10. 

With respect to increased penalties for drug trafficking, it should be 
noted that these increased penalties only apply under specific 
circumstances. Drug tracking that involves organized crime, threats of 
violence and the use of a weapon all fall into this category. Likewise 
trafficking drugs in or near a school or other area where children are 
present will also bring about increased penalties. 

As for rehabilitation, Bill C-10 allows a court to suspend a sentence 
while an offender undergoes a court approved drug treatment program as 
permitted under provincial jurisdiction. These programs encourage 
offenders to deal with the addiction that often motivates criminal 
behaviour. If the offender successfully completes the treatment 
program, the court may impose a suspended or reduced sentence.

I recognize that there are some who believe that criminals and sexual 
predators are better off in our communities and not in jail where they 
cannot reoffend. Some citizens believe that criminal's rights should 
come before those of victims. In a free and democratic country as 
great as Canada it is expected that citizens will have different views 
on many important subjects. To be clear Bill C-10 ensures that the 
rights of victims will be put ahead of the rights of criminals when 
dealing with serious crimes. This is a commitment and priority that my 
Government takes seriously and one that many citizens have requested action on.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.