Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher, today welcomed new legislation that targets gang violence and organized crime.
“The safety and security of Canadians is one of the Government’s most serious responsibilities. As such, I’m very proud that our Government continues to move forward on its justice agenda to address the lethal impact of gangs and organized crime on Canadian families and communities,” said Toews.
If passed by Parliament, the proposed Act to amend the Criminal Code (organized crime and protection of justice system participants) will:
• make murders connected to organized crime activity automatically first-degree. First-degree murder is subject to a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for 25 years;
• create a new offence to address drive-by and other reckless shootings. This offence would carry a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison, with a maximum of 14 years. The minimum sentence would increase if the offence was committed for a criminal organization or with a prohibited or restricted firearm such as a handgun; and
• create two new offences of aggravated assault against a peace or public officer and assault with a weapon on a peace or public officer. These would be punishable by maximum penalties of 14 and 10 years respectively.
“Canadians want action on crime and we intend to deliver. Since taking office, our Government has taken many steps to crack down on violent crime, with no help or cooperation from the opposition, particularly the NDP. They have fought us every step of the way. In fact, it took the threat of forcing an election to get the opposition to pass our Tackling Violent Crime legislation!” said Toews.
“The opposition has a long record of talking tough when it’s convenient for them, only to delay, obstruct and water-down our legislation. Canadians deserve better. And Canadians know when it comes to fighting crime they can count on the Conservative party,” concluded Toews.
