May 07, 2008

OTTAWA – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Member for Mégantic–L’Érable and Secretary of State (Agriculture), underscored the coming into force of key elements of the Tackling Violent Crime Act (Bill C-2):

• Increasing the age of protection from 14 to 16 years;
• Tougher penalties for serious offences;
• Tougher bail provisions in order to better protect the public against serious gun crimes.
  

According to Minister Paradis, dangerous criminals that use firearms to commit their crimes and sexual predators that take advantage of our young people will serve their time behind bars if they deserve to. The current government will continue taking measures so that all Canadians will be safe in their neighbourhoods and communities, because public protection is a priority for this government, and not an idea after the fact.

Two other provisions of the Tackling Violent Crime Act will come into force on July 2, 2008 to complete the five important changes to the Criminal Code of Canada, in order to better protect Canadians from those who commit serious, violent offences.

The following provisions will come into effect:

• More effective sentencing and monitoring to prevent dangerous, high-risk offenders from re-offending; and
• New ways to detect and investigate dug-impaired driving as well as stronger penalties for impaired driving.
  

In addition to its comprehensive measures to tackle violent crime, and in keeping with its commitment to make Canadian communities safer, the Government of Canada has also:

• Introduced legislation to tackle property theft, including the serious crime of auto theft;
• Passed legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of street racing;
• Passed legislation to end conditional sentences (house arrest) for serious personal injury and violent offences, including sexual assault;
• Introduced a National Anti-Drug Strategy, including legislation that would provide mandatory jail time for serious drug crimes;
• Introduced legislation to strengthen the Youth Criminal Justice Act; and announced a comprehensive review of this Act in 2008;
• Introduced legislation to protect Canadians against identity theft;
• Invested in crime prevention community projects across Canada that target youth.