Nicholson says crime bill not based on 'latest stats'

A key component of Stephen Harper's 'Tough on Crime' agenda was tabled in the House of Commons Tuesday, but critics are questioning both the timing and the tone of the legislation.

Power Play: Rob Nicholson, Justice Minister

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson says he believes the Tories' proposed bill with changes to Canada's justice system will lead to a safer Canada in five years, and explains that it puts the rights of victims at the forefront.

CTV British Columbia: Lisa Rossington reoprts

The Tories want to get tough on children who commit crimes, but there's concern it's the wrong approach.

CTV News Channel: Nicholson and Kenney speak

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney have announced elements of the upcoming safe streets and community act, which will increase penalties for those convicted of sex crimes and abuse toward children and for drug crime.

CTV News Channel: Joe Comartin, NDP justice critic

NDP's justice critic says the government shows no willingness to map out what the crime legislation will cost, especially to the provinces.

CTV News Channel: Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae

Bob Rae, the interim leader of the liberals says the Conservatives want to make changes that will significantly increase the prison population in Canada and it is unproven that this will increase in any way, public safety.

CTV News Channel: Kim Pate, Elizabeth Fry

The executive director criticizes the Tories' tough on crime legislation saying Canadians want safe and secure setting, but also a secure economy. Pate says the initiatives will cost Canadians tens of billions of dollars.

CTV News Channel: Mercedes Stephenson reports

CTV's Mercedes Stephenson says the bill is a promise that the Tories made during the election and they are following through. She says it is a very contentious bill, but the Tories are very passionate about it and want to see it through now that they have a majority government.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Justice Minister Rob Nicholson speaks at press conference in Brampton, Ont., Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011.

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Tue. Sep. 20 2011 9:06 PM ET

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson cast aside criticism Tuesday that the government's new justice bill doesn't have a clear price tag and ignores trends that show crime rates are actually decreasing.

The government's so-called "omnibus" bill wraps up nine individual pieces of legislation into one, and aims to toughen sentences for drug traffickers, child sexual predators and repeat violent young offenders.

"People who shouldn't be on the street will be off the street, and this bill puts the rights of victims at the forefront," Nicholson said on CTV's Power Play.

"This is something that Canadians support, and we made it very clear in the last election that this was the direction we were going."

The Safe Streets and Communities Act has been cast as the Conservative government's key fall piece of legislation, and Nicholson hopes it will be passed quickly through the House of Commons.

However, critics of the tough-on-crime approach pointed to statistics that show crime has actually decreased in Canada, along with other Western nations, in recent years.

Several key groups, including the Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Pediatric Society, which represents doctors, said that the bill is the wrong way to proceed.

"The impact on northern residents, aboriginal people and people with mental illness will be especially profound," said the CBA's Dan MacRury in a press release.

"The CBA believes that the bill will make already serious criminal justice system problems much worse, with huge resource implications."

In the United States, for example, some officials are aiming to get rid of mandatory minimum sentences that have led to overcrowded jails and crippling incarceration costs.

While Nicholson acknowledged that some crime rates have dropped, he noted that instances of drug crime and child pornography have increased in recent years.

Nicholson added that the government doesn't "put price tags in legislation" and that much of the price of crime is borne by victims.

"We're not governing on the basis of the latest statistics," Nicholson said at a news conference, held earlier in the day near Toronto.

"We're governing on the basis of what's right to better protect victims and law-abiding Canadians."

Some of the bill's key points include:

The elimination of house arrest for those convicted of serious, violent and property crimes such as sexual assault, human trafficking, arson, break-and-enter, luring a child or kidnapping.
Victims of terrorism will be allowed to sue perpetrators and supporters of terror, including listed foreign states.
The amount of time required before a convict can apply for a pardon will be extended, and pardons will be renamed "record suspension."
Adults convicted of sexual crimes against children will face increased sentences.
Two new offences will be created to take aim at conduct that "could facilitate the sexual abuse of a child."
Those convicted of producing or trafficking illegal drugs will face tougher sentences as an attempt to crack down on organized crime.

Nicholson said that more justice bills are on the way, including refined legislation on citizen's arrest and self-defence.

The government will also amend the International Transfer of Offenders Act to ensure Canada has the final say before Canadians convicted of crimes abroad are sent home. And parole boards will also be given greater authority to extend detention for individuals who pose a risk to society.

Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae quickly lashed out at the omnibus bill, saying crime statistics have been going down in Canada and there is no need to bring in new and tougher laws that will only result in more people being sent to prison.

Rae vowed to fight the Conservatives over the issue.

"We intend to do direct battle with the Conservatives on this issue because we don't believe it is a crime prevention agenda, we do not believe it is an increased public safety agenda and we don't think it will withstand public scrutiny."

Rae pointed out that the Conservatives have not issued an estimate for the cost of enacting the new bill.

The Canadian Paediatric Society also expressed their disapproval for the bill. They say that changing the youth crime law to allow stiffer sentences for children as young as 14 will have significant negative consequences.

The group, which represents Canadian paediatricians, says the current Youth Crime Justice Act supports rehabilitation and reintegration, instead of putting the emphasis on incarceration.

They say the federal government should work with provincial and territorial governments on youth crime prevention strategies that would include early detection and treatment of mental and behavioural health issues that might lead to criminal activity.

Comments are now closed for this story

Ray from Moncton
said

I am not against tougher punishment for hardened criminals, particularly violent crimes and crimes against children. However this bill is too wide ranging, these areas need to be addressed separately. Also according to Health Canada for 2010, 41.5% of Canadians have tried Marijuana and 10.7% currently use it (down from previous years). So almost half of our citizens should have a criminal record and a tenth should be in prison on drug charges. I am not a bleeding heart or a marijuana user.

Margie
said

After years of Liberal soft-on-crime policies we desperately need tough legislation against crime and criminals. The rights of victims have far too long been pushed aside in favour of the rights of criminals. Go Harper Go!

Ken from Alberta
said

It's a sad day for Canada. This legislation will actually put more violent criminals on the streets and place society in greater danger. This is the hidden agenda coming to light. Nothing in this legislation is based on facts, statistics, rationality, science or precident. It all comes directly from the policy books of the most right-wing ultra religous groups in the country. They are the REAL drive behind this heinous assault on Canadians. Hopefully we can repeal these laws when the Tories are tossed from office in 2015- assuming most Canadians are not in prison by then.

Guelph Observer
said

Of course it is not based on the latest statistics, it is based solely on ideology - so no one should try to confuse the neocons with facts. What is particularly galling is that the neocons refuse to tell the Canadian taxpayer what this little useless piece of work will cost us. I guess this is a sign of how the country will be run over the next 4 years. Disgusting!

Daniel in Ottawa
said

@ MARGGDid you read the part about crime going down in recent years? A bit of research will tell you that the trend started in the early 90's. I have a memory block, can you tell me who was in power at that time?Sounds to me like they did a great job. All based on actual facts. Say, maybe Stevie Boy could try that for a change. We'll have less to fix in 4 years.

Arby
said

Why is it bleeding heart liberals and NDP cry foul when Conservative thinking folks demand law reform for safer streets and communities?Maybe the bleeding hearts fear that they may themselves break one of those "common sense" laws and end up in the slammer.

Daniel in Ottawa
said

"We're not governing on the basis of the latest statistics"Translation: "We're not governing on the basis of any facts whatsoever" Nice! I actually think we need more prison, but just so we can solve the overcrowding, which actually increases crime. I would however like to know how many new prisons and what the cost is going to be. A little honesty please, Mr. Harper? Just for once?

Tea Party Bigots in Canada- Say What !!
said

I find it hard to believe there are so many Canadians out there who think this will solve the crime problem- Lord people are really not all there anymore.Rather than add a burden to the taxpayer (which will happen) why don't we cut right to the chase and just line everybody up in front of a firing squad.That's essentially what the rednecks and their leader want to do.God this country is going to hell in a hand basket . Nothing to do with the crime rate... that's going down...............

sunshine2882
said

That is unreal... and all the comments I am reading are also unreal. How about looking at the source of where the crime is coming? Mental illnesses, homelessness... why are we not seeing these problems being solved before being "tougher on crime". This country is becoming more and more like the States, and it is scaring me. Just wait and see if this will help. Guaranteed it create alot more issues in this country. Our money is not well spent... poverty and mental illnesses should be #1 on the list.

I am not Fooled..by Fools... not anymore....
said

I really wish I could believe this bill would work- however I am neither naive nor stupid enough to believe it will. I used to respect Minister Rob Nicholson- because I thought he was an intelligent man. He must have gotten the gag order from the dictator because his support of this ridiculous bill shows no intelligence whatsoever.

Will
said

About bloody time. Now watch the libs & ndp go right past panic into high speed wobble over this.....

back and to the left
said

Prof. wrote, a successful friend of mine would be happy to share with you his story of throat cancer...from routinely smoking cannabis. Prof., as usual... you're full of it.

Brian in Saskatchewan
said

Bob Rae says that this bill will only result in more people being sent to jail. And his point is .....???

Stewie
said

@Prof. Pye Chartt You definitively need to educate yourself. Alcohol goes directly to the liver & causes damage. Alcohol is like running sandpaper through every organ in your body. Did you know last year in Portugal they cured two cases of brain cancer by injecting TCH into the cancer tumors. Your very much out of touch with reality. Smoking marijuana shows no signs of causing lung cancer & actually shows more signs of a anti-cancer agent. Grow up educate yourself & leave your opinions in your head where it belongs. Thanks.

Gerald
said

Nice, nothing like a little tough love.

M.M.B. Ont
said

I am sick and tired of hearing the losers constantly whine that only a small percentage voted Conservative. Get a Life !! The fact is the Conservatives are in with a MAJORITY so get used to it. I support this crime bill. So typical of Bob Rae and the Liberals yapping against this bill. The Liberals did nothing about the crime that was being committed when they were in power! They whine about Human rights for prisoners... well what about Human Rights for the victims of crime and for law abiding citizens. Or do we not count in society Bob Rae?

NS
said

A welcome news announcement. The streets of cities like Halifax are running rampart with repeat offenders, adults and teens, terrorizing local neighborhoods. The police round them up, hold them for a night, and they are right back at it within a day or two. Thank you Mr Harper. Mr Rae, go pound sand.

Rob in the north
said

To all the liberals and Bob Rae.Shouldn't the ones that do the crime be sent to prison.What a joke to say with this bill there would be more criminals in jail.Not sure what your thinking is but prison is for the ones that break the law and that is where they should be.

firstMickey
said

It is about time somebody cracked down on these creeps.

Get your Acts together
said

The Young Offenders Act was repealed in 2003 with the passing of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

SkypixieZero
said

What we REALLY need is the death penalty for politicians who lie to us.The harm their lies do is far, far worse than the minor crimes done by many others and create more problems for more people than even the drug cartels.

MARG MM
said

The Liberals had majority Governments for many years. Did they bring in any legislation regarding rehabilition, programs for youth, all the things you are saying should be happening instead of tougher crime laws?? Come on now, you seem to know all the answers as to what should happen, maybe you should have spoken out when your Liberals had the majority.

Terry
said

@ This Bill Is Wrong no matter the % the Cons. got a majority .The Liberals flunked and are the bottom of the pond. Good place for them As for Bob Rae well he will say whatever as he likes to hear himself talk, and he'd argue about the colour of the sky. Why is he even allowed to voice an opinion since he is not the official opposition, go back to the basement where you belong. The Cons have done a great job and keep up the good work. This bill is so long overdue.

LorraineH
said

About time - gangs need to be dealt with more than a slap on the wrist. Those poor 14 year old gang members are already hardened criminals.

Only thing missing is stronger sentences against those convicted of Drunk Driving especially when a fatality occurs.

We also need to start deporting criminals immediately after their sentence has been served - they need to be driven directly to the airport and put on a plane back to their country of origin.

JP
said

Harper's dream of turning Canada into the U.S.A. is getting closer and closer though it is easier to get marijuana in the U.S. though.

Charles
said

About time. This country is being taken apart by criminals. Yes, the Liberals say crime stats are down. Stats require reporting, how many people do not report anymore? How much goes under the radar due intimadation?If you are 14 and commit a violent offence, do not cry me a river. You know you did wrong, but you did it anyway. If you want a lovey huggy place to live move to Disney World. I live in the real world and want child molestors, drug dealers and youth gangs shut down. A Liberal is just a Conservative who has not been robbed!

Ted from Toronto
said

Somewhere in the high arctic on an island should be the next location of our minimum security prison. Let them walk out whenever they want to become polar-bear snacks or perp-cicles for Greenland sharks.

jim from ottawa
said

Leave it to good old bob rae, acting like official leader of the NDP again. Bob wants protection for criminals not victims. Bob wants terrorists protected. Bob wants to make it easier for canadians of convenience and refugees all at the expense of hard working, loyal canadians of contribution. Congratulations Bob. You are delivering nothing just like I thought you would.

Drugs R for Dummies
said

"Why on earth would you want to put someone who smokes pot in jail?" A FEW ANSWERS 1) Because it is illegal and we live by the rule of law. Break the law pay the price. Don't like laws then move to a lawless country. 2) Because pot smoking is bad for your health and society will have to foot the bill at some point.

IAN
said

ABOUT BLOODY TIME! RAE, YOUR OPINION JUST GOES TO SHOW WHY THE LIBERAL PARTY WAS SO BRUTALLY DEFEATED THE LAST FEDERAL ELECTION! YOUR WAY OUT OF TOUCH WITH SOCIETY!

James
said

It's simple folks... you do the crime, you do the time. If you don't like the 'time' then don't do the 'crime'. It doesn't get any simpler than that does it? No more namby pamby liberal wimpy consequences with a wet noodle for offenders while the victims are left helpless. Real crime deserves real time and this is a good start.

natalia
said

The new rules would be better than the slap on the wrist that criminals are currently receiving, although not enough of a deterent. It is a step in the right direction.

Jane
said

Is that the best Bob Rae can come up with? In addition to the tough laws, it's about time to eliminate the frills criminals get in our prisons. If criminals realize prinsons aren't a picnic perhaps they will not be so willing to want to be put into Canadian prisons. As for paedistricians, nice way to ensure you keep your position with a steady income. These services can be provided within the prisons.

Hopefully the punishment for drugs will be in line with the specific drug. The more distructive the drug, the harder the punishment.

k markham
said

@kjs. You are partially correct, the problem is that there are no spaces in our prisons, they are already overcrowded with petty criminals. Now the Cons want to put the pot smokers in jail. There is a solution the cons have thought about. They are going to spend $billions on new prisons so we can accommodate these crime bills. Thats $billions more than this country and its tax payers can afford. Is it any surprise that every Conservative government when leaving office leaves the country with a bigger debt than they inherited!!! Look at the historical stats, the Cons are simply bad economic managers.

Vince M
said

Rae mentions crime statistics are going down. Wrong. Reporting of crime is going down because people know nothing is getting done about it in our soft-on-crime justice system created by the Liberals.

elly
said

Bob Rae retire your way out of touch. Thankyou it is about time we fixed the problem . A 14 year old knows right from wrong unless he is mentally retarded or born with out a brain, child molesters should be put away for live there is no hope there, murders should be free when they come out of prison in a box,i do not have any sympathy and for gangs put them all to-gether in the artic somewhere i hear the polar bears need food.

David, Ontario
said

Welcome to Harper's Canada. You get what you asked for. Post your comments while you still can, because soon, you may no longer be allowed to express an anti-Harper opinion for fear of facing a mandatory minimum sentence!

shawbrooke
said

The current justice system is great for most offenses. At the same time the current system fails to protect the public or to rehabilitate people who commit crimes against people's physical bodies, such as sexual crimes, entering homes, using or producing illegal drugs, or attacking others physically. So we are left with this, a second best solution. If people are not happy, then get the system to admit its failures are try something new. As long as the system thinks that things are okay, things will not improve.

Bubba: Now we need to go after financial crimes!!
said

Now they need to put those who commit fraud, or financial crimes into jail for a significant period of time, like say 20 years. The penalty should match the money stolen.

ie. 1 year for every $5000 dollars, and no parole. These people should also be banned from owning, or using a pc for life. One last thing, you pay it back, we lessen the penalty accordingly, down to 5 years minumum. No house arrest either.

Anne
said

Exuse me Mr. Rae - but we need tougher sentences for criminals, especially for predators of children. As for the Young Offenders act, teenagers, especially those in gangs, are well aware of the lax way they are treated if caught in a criminal activity. So bleeding hearts out there, time to get tough with these kids and maybe make an impact on their decisions.

Andrea in Chilliwack
said

I would prefer the RCMP/government be reading my emails/computer postings than getting blown up the next time I take my kid to Disneyworld on an American airliner....as I tell my children, anything you type into the computer can be read by anyone at anytime, so be careful what you write...unless you are posting things you should not be...you should not be worried...

RCawz
said

I agree for the most part especially for repeat young offenders. They are old enough to know exactly what they are doing and know that nothing much will happen to them. This situation is completely out of control. It will take a bit of time to have it sink in but the streets and people in general will be much safer for it in the long run.

Chris C, Burnaby
said

Hey rural conservatives! Are you guys not worried at all that if someone sneaks 5 pot plants on to your land that YOU will go to prison because YOU are legally in possesion? Growers do this all the time to get around the law. Hope you guys have good lawyers otherwise enjoy prison.

BCken
said

Here we go again, the CPC pandering to it's weakkneed, bible hugging, chicken-little base. What a waste of time.Anyhoo. Enough of you voted for them, probably because you were frightened the NDP might actually win this time, to give them a majority. Thanks a whole lot., Now we all get to take a big bite of this huge crap (no pun intended) sandwhich, which is the CPC, for the next four years.No Canada won't be ruined by this crew. Scarred maybe but not ruined. And they'll eventually be turfed.But all you center-right Liberals who voted CPC this time around, do me a big favour, don't give them another mandate in 2012. I'm tired of the crap they're serving already, and they've only just begun.

Canadian
said

Good job! Too bad they didn't introduce a 3 strikes you're out law. Especially for weak minded marijuana drug addicts who are knowingly doing their part in keeping crime alive and well.

Roy
said

And here goes the Liberal complaining with their slap on the wrist and send them home type of crime prevention.

mahanna ali
said

BOB IN OTTAWA - yes, second chances are tolerable depending on the situation.however third, fourth, tenth chances are totally out of the question... STU - yes the judges make the final decision BUT their final ruling will now be synchronized with the rule of the law that has been spelled out by our democratically elected government - judicial activism is no longer welcome in our courts...in fact if a ruling is "out to lunch" then that judge will now have to explain his ruling to a judicial body.these changes were intoduced by the harper government back when they enjoyed a puny 123 seat minority government....

Mikestashuk@yahoo.com
said

How about politicians who are more concerned with pandering to ignorant voters with unscientific tough-on-crime bills then the best outcomes for young offenders - most of which are highly disadvantaged and underserved to begin with.

How about we add those politicans to the list of adults who prey on children?

What's the difference?

sluggie
said

Let's hear from those Liberals who side with all this scum. Bleeding heart sissies who believe in hugging a thug, and think reform is possible. When will you silly liberals learn that paycheques are for workers?!

JIM
said

Some of this Bill I agree a bit, some sentences were a joke, but I disagree with access ISP without warrent, I disagree with though sentences for drugs if it is Marijuana, this is ridiculous..

mahanna ali
said

crime is decreasing...crime is decreasing...you liberal sheep can repeat this hoo-haw all you want but it doesn't make it true...just another bogus liberal oriented stat...violent crime in canada in fact has never been higher...by the way, when the news reports of yet another daily shooting fatality in toronto (the city of the gun) i can rest assure they are not lying.you people need to wake up, smell the beans, grab a brain and then try to assimilate with life on earth...you have got to snap out of this liberal dream state sometime...some how...

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

@ k markham: Every intelligent person knows that every joint that you smoke damages your lungs. You cannot smoke (anything) in "moderation." Alcohol, on the other hand, can be enjoyed in moderation, and certain beverages (such as red wine) have scientifically proven health benefits. (Pot has been used "medicinally" only to mask or alleviate symptoms of disease.) By the way, a successful friend of mine would be happy to share with you his story of throat cancer...from routinely smoking cannabis (according to his leading oncologist in Toronto). Having said all this, however, I don't have a problem with decriminalization.

Christa
said

I wonder if those who oppose this new bill would feel the same if they were victims of crime.....as far as the Young Offenders Act is concerned... its about time youth and parents became accountable ....

S in Vancouver
said

To me the most disturbing thing about this bill is that they're shoving tons of legislation through at one time.That's essentially what broke the American system - massive bills that widely affect government.Take 'em one at a time. If it's too much work to debate, come in on the weekends, guys.

carol
said

it is about time someone gets tougher on crime. they said they were going to do it in the last election and i am very happy they are going thru with it. Young offenders need to realize that they break the law there is a consequence, maybe they will think twice about what they plan to do. Maybe parents will watch their children a little more when they realize that their child is going to get more than a slap on their wrist. I am looking forward for this to pass.

AC in NB
said

Of course getting to the root of the problem and fix society as a whole so people don't become violent criminals would be best. Sounds good in theory, and good luck with that. Someone said "locking someone up for 10 years instead of 5 doesn't help them at all". Well maybe it doesn't help the violent thug or pedophile; but at least it cuts down on his/her repeat crimes by Half

Ben
said

I agree with everything I've read AND I also agree with what the Canadian Paediatric Soviety is expressing. A young person, a CHILD, need to have a second chance for a promissing future. Incarceration is not always the answer. It will only create an individual who will continue in a life of crime right into adulthood, and then what, things will only get worst. I think we're better than that.

jay
said

tom91
Health care is a provincal matter not federal.

Marilyn Edmonton
said

When will the NDP and Libs remember Canada voted for Conservatives and want this crime bill? So many of us are sick and tired of all the criminals who get away with slap on wrists and are set free to offend again. And if crime is down why do we have 39 murders in Edmonotn this year ?? Can't pass this bill fast enough to suit me.

RJ in Halifax
said

@Stan: Did it ever occur to you that doubling the sentence of a violent REPEAT OFFENDER would prevent this individual from perpetrating more crime on innocent civilians? Did you not stop to think for yourself rather than just following the crowd in putting down the Conservative Government?

GHW
said

@ Bob in Ottawa, please let the government know what neighborhood you live in so they can settle all the paroled child sex offenders and REPEAT violent youth offenders there.

MARG MM
said

Alyse......Perhaps you should ask the victims of the violent crimes that take place daily if they are correct. I cannot imagine that newspapers and news outlets would report on stabbings, home invasions, assualts, gun violence, thefts etc, if they were not really happening. However, stats can be skewed.

This Bill is Wrong
said

Many of the Pro-Conservative comments in these forums seem to forget that it was just 39.6 percent of the vote that put your Harper and Company into his majority position. That's leaves 60.4 percent with elected seats in parliament who are legally entitled to represent their constituents as well. If you don't like the way we "huff and puff" our opinions on this crime bill that's just too bad. This bill provides more lip service and a whole pile of voter appeasements after the've been sadly misguided by Harper on the true crime facts. This bill won't reduce crime, it won't help victims of crime, it won't help the economy, it won't save money, it won't lower taxes, it won't look after our seniors, it won't improve our health or our pensions or the environment. But I'm just super duper happy that you all love it!

Christie
said

Laws protecting animals need to change too - even if it's because research shows that violent people often have a history of animal abuse in their past. God forbid the laws change just because animals do not deserve and should not be mistreated! Will all of us animal lovers who have worked tirelessly for oh-so-many years finally be heard! Seems the label "puppy mill capital of North America" doesn't offend enough of our population - go figure.

Mario
said

Wow!!!

This country is filled with thousands of bleedy heart liberals, who just complain either way. They complain that there's not enough police officers but at same time are scared of becoming a Police state.

It's time we get tuff on crime.

Having dealt with hardcore criminals my entire professional life, these guys know what they can get away with..

Congrats to Harper and his government, finally we have a PM with iron balls!!

Tim
said

Heaven forbid, but the next time a person is killed (maybe even a child) by some innocent, precious, and rehabilitated youth whose spent more time in juvie than at home, I want the pediatricians to tell the family of the killed. If by 14 the kid's stolen cars, burglarized homes, assaulted, and been a menace to the people, guess what? He ain't gonna be rehabilitated.

David B
said

The continued liberal cry of "Increased Costs" is at best bogus! If convicts were afforded the same accommodation considerations as a Sailor in the RCN we could easily accommodate double if not triple the current prison population with no increase in infrastructure other than the number of bunks. A prison is just that and any attempt to make it into a summer camp should be dissuaded

John Wakeman
said

Thanks for not mentioning the Internet spying bill that will allow police to view anyone's online activities without a warrent. This is not about cracking down on serious crime, which is ion the decline anyway, it's about bringing Canada in line with US police-state policies!

Really Now?
said

All people care about is the weed. 90% of the voting population wants it legalized. Maybe this is the chance Mr. Harper can take to get a true majority support. A lot of Canadians disagree with Harper on his view points of Cannabis, but seriously it was legal 70 years ago, and the media can no longer hide the true reasons why their is prohibiton. Saskatoon's mayor in the early 1900's had one of the best cannabis crops in North America. Please Mr. Harper as somebody who supports your ideaology, why not take a chance and fix one of the biggest blunders in history? I am medically expemt, but all this new law will do in relation to cannabis is put me under further scrutiny for being able to walk, work and play. I already have had enough challenges, I don't want a government that I do support for the most part to further throw me under a bus.

Brent
said

The OMNIBUS legislation will deal with the unjust judges in BC by forcing sentencing lengths on certain criminals. Its about time.

Sam
said

Way to go Cons. this is long overdue. The pathetic Liberals spent money on stuff that the Canadian people didnt see what they got for the mney. Canadians need to be protected from these criminals and its good to see action finally. Now we need to get rid of the Y.O.A. if they commit a crime then they are old enough to take what comes. Stop molly-coddling these kids. They should be sent to boot camp. Just look at the # of shootings , stabbings in Toronto. Its everyday, and I wonder how old they are, some were reported to be teens. If the Ont. Liberals want to do something to help education of youth why not make H.S. mandatory. They quit school at 16 bum around, getting into trouble and we the tax payers have to support them. Parents are no where to be seen until something happens. As for Bob Rae you will never be PM thank goodness for that.

Brent
said

If Mr. Harper could walk on water, the Liberals and NDP would say that he couldn't swim. Push this legislation through quickly!

Tom91
said

Just what we need at a time of historically low crime rates! Forget the healthcare system, let's "make the streets safer". What a cliche. This is bogus. Harper pulling wool over your eyes.

Alyse
said

To MARG MM:
I don't understand how you can believe the media and news outlets over cold, hard statistics. The media is known to only show sensational cases and to misguide the public. They lie just as much as the politicians. Certain news corporations are heavily influenced by political stances and are completely biased and subjective.

I just do not understand how people can take what the news and politicians say at face value. Canada needs its citizen to do their own homework and research. Find the truth instead of just being a sheep to all the lies.

Stan
said

I love how people have this perception that the laws are extremely lax, criminals are having a grand time in prison and so on. I think right wingers everywhere believe this regardless of the actual laws in the country they live in.

Yet not one of them mentions the facts such as the actual crime rate and how that compares to countries with harsher laws.
How do you explain that?

Do you think that putting someone in prison for 10 years instead of 5 makes them a better person?
Do you think they'll have a better chance of reintegrating into society if they rot in jail for 2 years instead of 1?

Do you even stop to think instead of automatically react according to the first emotion that your closed-mindedness produces?

k markham
said

Why on earth would you want to put someone who smokes pot in jail? It makes no sense to do something so stupid. Pot may be illegal but frankly thats only because they have not figured out a way to tax it. Every smart person knows that smoking pot is no worse than booze. I live in a upper middle class neighbourhood where lawyers, dentists, CEO's smoke pot. Are we going to throw these people in jail if a neighbour reports them for doing this in a discreet way in their own homes!! Those that commit crimes against children should have tough sentencing, but putting it in the same bill as the pot smoker is an insult to all reasonable Canadians. Get real Harper government.

tom91
said

This is a smoke screen. Violent crime has been decreasing for decades. The gov't will distract you with this while your family faces more serious threats from the lack of a family doctor or increased wait times at hospitals. But never mind your health, the gov't would rather you be afraid of a perceived threat of drugs and pedophiles. Here comes Harper to the rescue, of a hyped-up non issue that is. Thanks for being tough on crime Harper, you're my hero!!

Dave
said

Bob Rae I have no time for politicians in general but you take the cake. If a memeber of your family was affected no doubt you would be jumping up and down asking why the government isnt doing more. Who cares what the cost is, this is so important. The LIberals spent billions on useless stuff and over their scandals that this is a drop in the bucket. You are a pathetic individual, and thats why you the Liberals are at the bottom of the heap. I hope you stay there for a very long time. Go P.M. dont listen to the cry babies.

David L
said

OH my I love the one comment,

"Statistics might say crime is going down, but the newspapers and news outlets say otherwise. What happens in our cities on a daily basis tells the real truth, and it is time to deal with it"

This is priceless. Clearly there can be no reason for your over-exposure to violent crime stories other than a sisterly hidden plot to lie to you.

Not like anyone just wants you to watch their station....

kjs
said

Looks like the objective of this is to fill the prisons. There is very little here that indicates any type of rehabilitation - just lock them up and throw away the key. This should be scrutinized carefully - it could be indicative of serious loss of freedom in our country.

glenn
said

its about time. Who can be against tough crime bills. The criminals run all over us and hardly ever spend time in jail.
Good for harper.

David in Lotus Land
said

Along with elimination of the Long Gun Registry, this will be viewed as a positive move by all but the discredited bleeding hearts. Worried about the cost, simple, eliminate the country club surroundings and go back to basic prisons. If the inmates wish to have anything more they should be expected to pay for it themselves either from outside funds or prison labor.

David
said

It takes a rural right wing party full of old people to think that putting more people in Jail will actually help improve crime affected communities in this country. Really, this whole Conservative agenda is hilariously pre-modern.

Not a single mention of increased spending for rehabilitation, research or reintegration programs. Put confused criminals away longer in the exact same jail and you will have an even crazier person 5 years later. You can't lock them up forever, unless of course, i'm missing the point.

Not the wrong approach
said

Of course "cleaning up the streets" will reduce crime, when the criminals are behind bars they can't commit crimes. Why is it so hard to understand this common sense approach?

Not all criminals are born of a troubled youth, lack of education, and poor economic standings. The bleeding heart liberals need to understand that our society is filled with some genuinely bad/sick people that are simply beyond rehabilitation, that didn't necessarily come from an abusive family or poverty. How can you then justify releasing these individuals back into society while knowing they are a high risk to reoffend?

Ultimately the safety of law-abiding individuals is more important than protecting the rights of criminals, and it seems that the majority of right-minded Canadians feel the same way.

Larrs in Regina
said

'Jeremy in Thunder Bay':
You don't have to look far to see why this bill will not work like you think.

The United States has had similar criminal policy for decades. They now have the highest incarceration rate per capita in the world(29% higher then the second place Russia, and 629% higher then Canada) and subsequently also have a significantly higher crime rate then us; 2.8 times the homicide rate of Canada, for example.

morvin
said

All of these measures have been in effect in the United States for years and look at what peaceful and law-abiding country it is. Stupid Neo-Conservatives!

John
said

How does this eliminate crime? You're telling me that after putting a 14 year old to jail, he will come out a better person? More like another victim will be produced.

Michael
said

All laws do are keep good people submissive and make bad people worse. All these people agreeing with the bill, have you ever even been to a prison? It is probably the single most non stimulating environment in the world. Now think about why people commit crimes, it's usually in the moment of intense emotion/desperation, or under the influence of alcohol/chemicals. It's like trying to fix a leak by putting a bucket under it. The leak is still there and eventually the bucket will get filled. Fix the problem at it's source, dont make a system that creates a source (prison), even being in one made me edgy, I couldn't imagine living there. My friend doesn't deserve that, nobody does.

Gorazd
said

I actually don't see any real change this legislation will bring. Only big words and spreading of fear. Besides, just locking up won't do. The prisons were once characterized as academies for learning new "tricks" and they still are this. How about:
1. Making prisoners pay their stay in the jail by making them work (today they scarcely do).
2. Addressing recruitment into criminal world, like street gangs.

Geno
said

Having worked in the corrections system and presenting serving subpoenas and summons to career violators, I can only say the crime bill is not tough enuf and may not have the desired affect of detering hardcore criminals from continuing their carnage against innocent citizens.The death penalty for crimes against children, and country should be re-examined especially since we now have dna to positively id criminals which eliminates mis-identifications and false convictions. Being able to sue person(s) and countries is a waste of ink and time because of politics.For all you bleeding hearts that think criminals can be rehab'd, get yur heads out of yur posteriors. Recidivision and reoffenders is 85%. The NDP and LIBS want the government to focus on job creation....what would be wrong with creating hundreds of new jobs for corrections officers and construction workers required to build new prisons. These types of jobs are long term employment opportunities. How much money (and lives) will be saved by investing in convicting and keeping criminals in jail versus keeping convicted criminals incarcerated in jail considering the cost to keeping them in a very decent living quarters and fed better than 75% of citizens trying to eak out an honest living.We are so focused on the cost to keep criminals in jails that we have forgot the "cost" incurred by victims. If you don't believe me, come and spend a day or week with me and see the looks of horror and fear on persons being served to testify against the perpetrators, especially the ones who were assaulted and raped, and parents of little children (and the children) who were abused, molested and kidnapped.They say crime rates are going down or are less crimes being reported because people are to afraid to testify. Wake up

Rod in Calgary
said

Yep, like one guy mentioned, they should include the right to defend your home without the risk of being charged by the criminal.

peter in mb
said

Well the liberals said that �if bill C-68 (2 billion dollar gun registry) will save one life it is worth it?� well if locking repeat violent offenders in prison will save a life that�s worth it also. I would like to see (repeat and violent offenders) being declared outlaws after committing 3 of the same offence and automatically receive the maximum penalty. Over 80% of the auto theft in Winnipeg is committed be 400 people. Some have stolen 150 cars in one year. These people are outlaws!!! And they should be treated as such. I am sick and tired of my MPI rates going up every year because of these people. It�s time to tell criminals that we are not going to take it anymore!!!

Glenn C
said

Great News! Now where do we sign...............Let's GET-ON with this without delay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael
said

This scares me beyond belief, I smoke marijuana on a daily basis, not for and sickness but recreationally. Its helped me get through school, my father's death, and it's going to help me get through the rest of my life. It is not my crutch, it just calms me down. That being said I cannot for the life of me fathom what problem the government has with weed, the only bad thing it's done was... uhm... well it... NOTHING! Recently I was at a trial for a friend who was charged with possession, the judge stated that "in recent studies, marijuana has been found to cause psychosis". Oh really? Which study are you quoting, cause I've read them all. I've even talked to my doctor, he said that well it may cause psychosis, this only happens in very rare cases and from prolonged exposure. He said if I take a break everyone once in a while then there is no negative side effects. In fact, it helps an indefinite amount of conditions. There is no risk associated. I understand if it's a drug dealer selling to kids, but in case you haven't noticed Harper, you graduated what in the 70's? Everything's changed, younger kids are trying to sell weed to me, that's what's outrageous. Take the money that would otherwise be spent jailing me for inhaling a chemical safer than oxygen, and spend it on education and regulation of marijuana. Since you mock rhyme in reason in it's face, and how some Canadians are so uneducated as to believe your farce, I think it's time to re-evaluate what a leader is. What is your problem with marijuana? I want an answer that actually makes sense.

Craig from NS
said

It is not a matter that crime rates are going down overall, but some offenders are getting off easy and or having their convictions pardoned when a pardon should not be available. There should be tougher laws as it relates to crimes against children or general sexual related violence. Violent youth crime is on the rise (10% more than 1999 statistics) and is long overdue to be addressed. However, putting in tougher laws does not necessarily address the issues. It is only lip service to Canadians unless the government is willing to walk-the-walk. All I hear from politicians is talk, no matter the party. I doubt even the conservatives have much bite to their bark.

Jack O'Ottawa
said

Bob Rae should pack up & move to Greece, Italy or the like. After a few years in Europe, he may finally understand why a leftist socialist government is not the best for the safety of the population.

Mike.
said

Mr. Harper ask your hero in the states G.W. bush, if getting tough on crime lowers the crime rate. Just get it over with, annex us to the states, since you want to be so much like them. You know why Bush never liked Chretien, Chretien would not let Bush tell us how to run our country, unlike you and Mulroney, the US says jump and you say how high. But I guess if that doesn't work, you will be getting us rejoin Britain again.

WestIsland of Mtl.
said

How about a Sex Offenders List made public in Quebec??? and laws that persons that have committed such a crime, not be permitted to live near schools etc....at least then it will clean up the area i live in.

Rich
said

To all of you who say that locking up criminals is more costly than letting them roam the streets, have you taken into consideration the cost of paying for lawyers, court costs, victim impact costs, policing costs etc. We have had about 25 years of Trudeau�s revolving door system where most deterrents were removed, the criminals had all the rights and a many lawyers got rich at the expense of the public and where has that gotten us. Maybe this bill will make a few criminals think twice before breaking the law and punish instead of coddle those who do. The next issue is to convince many Liberal leaning judges to do their job rather than provide clients for their lawyer buddies. Unfortunately the old adage still rings true �the laws are written by lawyers to ensure no lawyer will ever be out of work�.

Fed Up
said

I can tell you that in NWO and Manitoba this will be a GOOD thing. Read a Winnipeg paper for a week. The amount of crime with little to no consequences is rampant. The law-abiding citizens are victimized in their own communities and the courts do little. It is the repeat offenders who HAVE been given a second, third, fourth etc. chance and it has NOT helped them. I came from a broken home with little money and a working parent and even had an alcoholic parent. That didn't give me an excuse to break the law or victimize others. Everyone has a choice and if you CHOOSE to do the crime then you've CHOOSEN the consequences. The only problem has been that the courts have taught the criminals that if they have a sob story then the rules don't apply to them. I'm all for giving a one time, non-violent offender a chance to make retribution and clean up his act but after that.......you made your choice.

Paul
said

Not a thing in this Bill to stop people from becoming criminals.Seems to me (has been proven true), that it would be cheaper in cost to help people before they resort to crime.But...putting people dead last against their (PC Supporters), Super Jails, Jets and Tax Cuts to the Rich, simply means that it would perpetrate more criminals who fall through the cracks.

Jo. He. from Canada
said

All the people griping about this crime bill not helping and costing the tax payers more $$$ ... get your priorities straight! Are you seriously saying that the safety of children is less important than you paying less taxes? We have had several high profile cases in the last decade where a pedophile is let go repeatedly, and each time goes straight to abducting kids within days of his release. How about this; when the pedophiles are let go, they can move into your neighbourhood and watch your kids/nieces/nephews play! Then we'll see if your bleeding heart violins are still playing a song for the person just released. Obviously in jail there are no kids; no kids = no abuse. Hopefully the increased penalties for sex crimes is one part of the crime bill we can all agree on.

B in Ottawa
said

I still have trouble understanding why the Liberals, NDP and their supporters don't agree with mandatory minimums. It seems like a very logical deterrent: do something bad, you go to prison. I think that the threat of a prison sentence being there, the prison population should actually go DOWN in this country as less people take the risk of committing crimes. Therefore, costs will also go down instead of up as the opposition claims. Makes perfect sense, and that's why I voted Conservative.

Stan
said

The new laws are not going far enough, what about life is life not 25 years, abolish statuatory releases after 2/3 of a sentence, take out concurrent from the justice system, and then abolish the Young Offenders Act, That would be reform not the little piddaly adjustments.

The_Central_Scrutinizer
said

It's hard to see so many right thinking people taken for fools.
This bill will do nothing at all to make Canada any safer.
To do this, we must address the root causes of crime, not the effects. These include poverty, alcohol abuse, & a continuing insistence in prosecuting people for essentially harmless activities.
Send more people to prison? Where they can be taught how to be real criminals? The only effects of this will be to increase crime levels & provide justification for Harper's expensive new prisons, that we will all have to pay for. No wonder the Cons won't come up with a cost estimate. They don't want Canadians knowing the true cost until it's too late.
Many serious crimes are crimes of the moment, for which the threat of prison is no deterrent at all.
Harsher sentences for crimes against children will result in more victims being killed to ensure silence.
Harper is merely trying to put a fresh coat of paint on a rusted out old hulk, at huge cost to the taxpayer.
This ought to be good for reversing falling crime trends, as more hardened criminals are created from first time offenders.
Rehabilitation doesn't come from prison, it comes from a chance to make a decent living in a respectable way.
Give us jobs, not jails.

Jeremy in Thunder Bay
said

Bob we don't care how much it will cost! How can you stand there thinking that locking up these criminals won't protect the safety of Canadians. That is why you are now the third party. Out of touch with reality.

wrong approach
said

enacting tougher laws has nothing to do with "cleaning up the streets" or reducing crime. To reduce crime you must invest in the economy, education, police, health, youth, and address the hundreds of thousands of unskilled parents out there who are misguiding their kids.

Read Deeper
said

Stu, have you read the laws they have tried to put through before? It takes authority out of the hands of judges. That's what mandatory minimum sentences are all about. It's an attempt to take law order and justice out of the equation, and punish people this government sees as unfit for society. Some rightfully so, others are being discriminated against plain and simple.

Accountability
said

While I agree 100 percent with crackdown on big criminals, sexual offenders and child abusers I have reservation to the changes applied to small offenders such as jail for possession of Marijuana. It will increase the number of prisoners rather than doing any good to the society. There will be an infrastructure and staff problem. The small offenders may become a much bigger problem once they get trained by more experienced criminals in the jail. Is it something to think about before passing the bill?? Do the changes apply to financial and white collars criminals too?

joe canada
said

It is about time youth crimes are looked at. The young offenders act is so far out dated to the crimes regularly being done by youth. You can not convince me a 14 year old can not tell right from wrong. As far as sex offenders go, they should NEVER see the light of day again.

Jerry Calter
said

Although I agree with large portions of this bill, I am very worried that they are lumping to many groups together that shouldn't be.

Assuming the format of the bill hasn't changed much from previously presented ones, a person growing pot for an ailing patient will have a mandatory sentence lumped in with traffickers of heroin. Taking away judicial discretion is just going a bit to far.

If they think locking me up for five years because pot was one of the few things that actually helped my husband with the pain during his final stage ALS; then go right ahead Mr. Harper. Tell me to my face that I'm a hardened criminal going after our kids and communities. Put me away for $118,000 a year for helping a loved one.

Dan
said

Haven't the Liberal left been fightingtough on crime legislationfor the last decade plus ? It is about time the government got tough on criminals.

Phil2pointO
said

"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" I am not even christian i feel that this is a statement all of us can stand behind. Mr. Harper please forgive people for what they have paid for, please forgive yourself for whatever it is that plagues you to act as such, and please forgive us for the tone of the legacy we will remember you by.

Read Deeper
said

If these bills are similar to the last ones proposed here are some nice little tidbits. More than 2 people "transporting" drugs between them (read three people sharing one joint) are automatically labelled a gang, and are trafficking and face a mandatory minimum six month federal prison term. Very sneaky. Or that someone caught with possession of marijuana "more than once" as previous bills have stated face a minimum 6 months in federal prison. A lot of this stuff I can agree with and say it's about time, but there is some very irresponsible legislation in here that will ruin many peoples lives just as the drug crusades in the sixties and seventies did down south. Prison for smoking marijuana. That's a good idea. Then all those potheads wont be able to get employment when they get out. What a great plan. I also love how selling drugs withing two KM of a school is now worth a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison. Find me anywhere in any city in Canada more than 2 KM away from a school zone. If only people would read into what consequences will be instead of latching onto one thing they like and ignoring the rest. I better be careful though. Once the spying law is brought in they can demand to know who I am, without more reason than this post and show up at my house with no good reason other than my views on pot, and do their damnedest to arrest me for said views. All they need to do is find a crumb somewhere and I get to go to prison for 6 months. Yay justice.

True North
said

I like Rae's comment.Where he says there is no reason to send more "people" to jail insert "violent offenders, drug dealers and pedophiles" to see just how much sense the Liberals make any more.

frances harkness
said

Statistically the crime rate is historically low. One wonders how this bill will help. Every other jurisdiction similar to ours (England, Australia, U.S.) is moving away from harsh treatment of youth to prevention and rehabilitation. Even Texas has decreased the number of youth facilities from 15 to 6. Once again the Tories go down the route tried before only twenty years late. Will it be another 20 years before we know how wrong they are?

PUGFIRE
said

Three Cheers! Personally I'd like to see some tougher stuff, but this is good. Bob Rae is a leader of a dinosaur party. WAAAAY past it's best before date.

PUGFIRE
said

Three Cheers! Personally I'd like to see some tougher stuff, but this is good. Bob Rae is a leader of a dinosaur party. WAAAAY past it's best before date.

James
said

The war on drugs has worked so well for the US that we're emulating their system. Hooray! The fun part about this bill is that anyone with disagrees with any facet of it will be labeled pro-pedophile. Stay classy cons!

MARG MM
said

When we voted we knew this was coming and we voted accordinly. Thankfully the Conservatives have their majority so the bill will get passed. Bob Rae might remember that fact and realize that the Liberals were delegated to third place, therefore people rejected any ideas they have on crime. For him to huff and puff now will have no affect, but it will delay, which will put him and his party in a worse light with those that have been waiting for tougher laws for a very long time. Statistics might say crime is going down, but the newspapers and news outlets say otherwise. What happens in our cities on a daily basis tells the real truth, and it is time to deal with it.

Don From Canada
said

I'd like to see tougher booze laws. Any crime
I committed I was drunk, but smarter than the
system and got away with it. Haven't done anything
bad since I started smoking weed and got off the
government approved wife beating booze. Harper, your a joke. How many homes are destroyed by alcohol
yet you never even touch on this, you just want
to pick on those who prefer weed over booze. I
don't understand you, your an idiot as well as anyone
who voted for you. Bring back the death penalty
for murder, and add it too any sexual assault, the
crime will drop

jrm
said

It is mega "feel good" bill that will likely be very expensive. I doubt it will achieve its official goal: make the street safer.

Richard
said

Well it looks like the people posting here believe whatever 'dear leader' says. Don't bother looking into too many details on this, accept the word of known liars that this is good for everyone.

Jeez people, at least read the real document before supporting it.

bob
said

I wish they had included the right to defend your home from an intruder without being charged. There's a reason prosecutors try to avoid jury trials in these cases. Most people think we should have the right to defend ourselves.

No victim's rights here
said

Putting Victims rights first? The story is pretty clear "Victims of terrorism will be allowed to sue perpetrators and supporters of terror, including listed foreign states.". Wow... that makes me feel safe, and I have the government's permission to sue a terrorist or his supporters and they'll pay me... and my legal fees as well huh? This single piece of "victim" rights lip service will only fool the foolish.

AC in NB
said

Wow, the PC government is looking to protect the rights of victims and innocent Canadians. And on the other hand the Libs want to protect the rights of the criminal, when they shouldn't have any to begin with.These proposals aren't for petty theft, they're for people who are clearly dangerous and sexually abuse children.If you keep a good portion of these animals locked up longer, maybe they won't have as many kids( I know that sounds harsh), we can at least try to break the cycle. Sure would cut down on a lot of the social programs in the future.

eddytoronto
said

What terrible teachers/leaders we have.....Harper where are the Jobs?...Lol...Corperations will Live Forever right Harper...Lol...

Jim in Ottawa
said

This all seems perfectly reasonable to me. I don't think seriously violent criminals deserve house arrest. I believe victims of terrrorism should have a right to sue the terrorists. I believe the current pardon system is far too lax. I believe those who commit serious sexual crimes against children deserve increased jail time. I believe on cracking down on the drug dealers and other paws who support organized crime. What kind of reasonable citizen would disagree any of these proposals? Is Mr Rae suggesting that he thinks those that commit crimes against children don't deserve tough sentences? That anyone should get a pardon? That violent criminals deserve house arrest? C'mon. Get real.

More wasteful spending
said

I believe that Canada desperately needs to toughen crime legislation to increase sentences and eliminate loopholes with certain crimes. Some of the details in this bill seem justified on the surface but to believe that any one of these changes will prevent crime is, in short, laughable. Renaming a "Pardon" to "Record Suspension" won't affect what it is any more than putting "Royal" back into the names of our navy and air force changed any aspect of our military. More than likely, we'll find that this bill has been hastily created (the Conservatives still aren't capable of establishing a cost estimate for enacting this new bill), and that it has been established solely to appease a voting public that has been misguided into believing it has more value and purpose that it truly does. Only time will tell, like everything else Harper and his party are behind... say another 4 years?

Really Now?
said

I agree with everything that the government is putting forward here, except for the continued prohibition against Cannabis. One can only hope that the Federal Government looses it's appeal in the Mernaugh case. Science should govern us, not opinion from 70 years ago.The economy is headed towards the tank, we could use the money spent on cannabis prohibition to create jobs.

Stu
said

All smoke & mirrors, the judge makes the final decision not the moronic Harper government.

Bob
said

Get tough. Be sure the punishment IS a deterent. We may have to work at in-prison rehab but for sure, make it so tought people will not re-offend and maybe, they won't offend in the first place.Be tough. Hold people accountable for their actions.

Lynn
said

At times the current laws seem like a walk in the park to me. The Young offenders act in its current form is a joke- the kids who are used to the system do not take it seriously. I have watched in 2 yrears one boy been charged criminally for things from posession of a controlled substance, assault (several times) causing bodily harm, destruction of property etc etc, and his biggest sentence to date was probation for 9 months. At school he beats kids to a pulp, gets suspension after suspension, but the school and the court system do not work together. He will, eventually be charged and tried as an adult. I don't think it matters how much this bill costs- I think if you compare to the cost of weekly court appearances that span over several years tougher sentences may actually save some money in the long run. If you keep a criminal in prison for a longer period of time if they aren't rehabilitated than at least it's a longer period of time before their next crime and the tax payers may get a reprieve on paying for legal proceedings for a while.... I just hope that the laws are tough and enforceable.

Bob in Ottawa
said

We don't need more prisons. We need more and better rehabilation programs to better give offenders a chance on the outside. More training, chance to complete school.An offender who has been given a chance is less likely to reoffend. Do you really want to look like the U.S. I sure don't. I'm a firm believer of giving a person a second chance.

Rod
said

Excellent, I was looking forward to this when I voted Conservative!

John in Edmonton
said

Ah yes Bob Rae...we've seen what years of Liberal "criminal Friendly" laws have done...get tough on criminals, and put victims' rights first!!

Retired Military Guy
said

This is good news..!! The time is long overdue for perpetrators to be held accountable for their crimes and not be, "handled with kid gloves" as some people would like. As adults we are accountable for our actions and consequences thereof. Full stop.

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Labour Minister Lisa Raitt speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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