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Important Justice Legislation Receives Royal Assent
October 23, 2009 -- Ottawa, Ontario -- Today Bill C-25, the Truth in Sentencing Act, received Royal Assent. Bill C-25 is a key piece of anti-crime legislation that seeks to end the practice of reducing criminals' sentences at a 2:1 ratio for time served in pre-trial custody.
"This is an important achievement in our Conservative Government's tackling-crime agenda," said MP Rob Moore. "I am extremely glad to see that Bill C-25 has received Royal Assent, despite attempts by Liberals in the Senate to hinder its progress."
Earlier this month, Liberal senators attempted to gut Bill C-25 by removing the bill's stipulations that replace two-for-one credit with one-to-one credit for time served.
This move came despite the fact that the bill has received overwhelming public support. Bill C-25 has support from provincial justice ministers from all parties, as well as victims' groups and police associations. In addition, Bill C-25 was passed unanimously by the House of Commons earlier this year.
"Bill C-25 is an important part of our government's justice agenda, and it will help to make sure that dangerous offenders are sentenced according to the serious nature of their crimes," said MP Moore. "Because of our action, courts will no longer be able to give two-for-one credit for time served when sentencing criminals."
Credit for time served will now be granted at a ratio of 1:1, to a maximum of 1.5:1 in exceptional cases. In such cases, the courts will have to justify the exception.
Bill C-25 is one part of the government's comprehensive justice agenda. The government has already passed measures to combat reckless shootings, and is currently working to pass legislation that targets serious drug crime, auto theft and identity theft.
Rob Moore is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and the MP for Fundy Royal.
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William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of Rob Moore, M.P. Fundy Royal
(613) 996-2316
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