Pubdate: Wed, 07 Mar 2012
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2012 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/send_a_letter
Website: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Jim Bronskill

TORIES REJECT AMENDMENTS TO CRIME BILL

OTTAWA -- Opposition parties chastised the government Tuesday for
rejecting a raft of proposed amendments to a sweeping federal justice
bill they see as a big step backward.

The omnibus bill has returned to the House of Commons from the Senate
for final debate on some changes -- but only ones endorsed by the
governing Conservatives. They would allow victims of terrorism to sue
states that support political violence.

The bill would also impose stiffer sentences for sexual offences
against children, usher in mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes
and toughen penalties for violent young offenders.

In addition, it would end house arrest for many crimes and force
people to wait longer for a criminal pardon.

The Conservative majority is expected to allow the legislation easy
passage on final reading.

Opposition MPs point out the crime rate has been steadily falling. But
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said it's his duty to keep the criminal
law up to date.

"We need legislation that is responsive to what is happening on our
streets and meets the expectations of Canadians in the 21st century,"
said Nicholson.

"The proliferation of drugs and violent crime is unfortunately a
reality in this day and age."

Both the Liberals and the NDP take issue with many elements of the
bill, saying it will put young offenders on the wrong track and impose
unnecessarily stiff sentences for some crimes. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.