November 04, 2006

as published in Niagara This Week

During the last federal election, Conservatives promised to tackle crime. So did the other major parties.

That was then. This is now.

Last week, the Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois teamed up at the House of Commons Justice committee to water down a Justice bill which aims to put an end to the use of conditional sentences for serious and violent offences.

Last June, Canada’s New Government proposed new legislation to limit house arrest to less serious crimes, but thanks to Opposition amendments, criminals who burn down your house and steal your car may serve their sentences at home instead of in jail.

We also introduced a bill that would raise the age at which youth can consent to sexual activity, from 14 to 16 years old. The Age of Protection legislation is one of many practical and effective steps taken by Canada’s New Government to tackle crime including new legislation that will:

• Make it easier for Crown Prosecutors to obtain a Dangerous Offender designation against individuals convicted for a third violent or sexual offence;
• Ban house arrest for violent criminals;
• Bring in mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes; and
• Crack down on street racing.
  

Recent events further highlight the immediate concern to move forward and enact tougher legislation. Canada’s New Government does not want Canada to become a safe haven for those facing convictions in other countries. But to move our legislative agenda through the House of Commons, we need the Opposition’s support

I do not expect the Opposition parties to always agree with the Government, but they owe it to our community and Canadians across this country, to stop playing games and get on with passing something Canadians already voted for: safer communities.

While the Liberals play political games and put Liberal Party interests ahead of the country’s interests, Canada’s New Government will continue to deliver on the priorities of Canadians and get things done for families and taxpayers.