|
MP Rob Moore Worked Tirelessly on New Law that Limits House Arrest for Serious Crimes
May 31, 2007 -- OTTAWA -- Rob Moore, M.P. and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, welcomes the Royal Assent of Bill C-9, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (conditional sentence of imprisonment). This new law will limit the use of conditional sentences or ‘house arrest’ for serious crimes.
After being repeatedly stalled by the Liberal Opposition in the House of Commons, Bill C-9 is finally law. The passage of Bill C-9 marks a significant step in Canada’s Conservative Government’s efforts to tackle crime and make our streets and communities safer.
"Individuals who commit serious and violent crimes should serve their time behind bars, not in the comfort of their home,” said Moore. "This new law will better protect Canadians and keep their communities safe.”
As amended, Bill C-9 does not go as far or provide the same degree of clarity as it did in its original form, but it does eliminate the availability of conditional sentences for offences punishable by 10-years or more that qualify as either serious personal injury offences (e.g., sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault or sexual assault with a weapon), terrorism offences or criminal organization offences.
"The opposition parties are ignoring their responsibility to protect the public by delaying our justice legislative agenda. Canadians asked for safe streets and communities and our party is delivering on our promises.”
Since taking office, Canada's Conservative Government has brought forward 12 justice bills, including legislation to restrict conditional sentences, to better fight alcohol- and drug-impaired driving, to create tougher laws against street racing, and to raise the age of consent from 14 to 16 years to protect youth from adult sexual predators. Despite repeated efforts to move this legislation through the House of Commons, thus far, only three bills have become law, including C-9. Canada's Conservative Government urges the opposition to pass the outstanding pieces of legislation to protect our streets and communities and build a stronger, safer, better Canada.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Matthew Triemstra
Special Assistant
Office of Rob Moore, M.P. Fundy Royal
(613) 996-2316
|
|
|