NDP GETS TOUGH ON CRIMINAL HAUNTS

New Legislation To Help Citizens Clean Up Their Neighbourhoods

THE NDP introduced legislation yesterday targeting booze cans,
brothels and shooting galleries for drug addicts that plague
inner-city neighbourhoods.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act is expected to come into
effect this fall.

It will allow residents to file a complaint with a director of public
safety, who could issue a warning letter to the owner of the home in
question. In more severe cases, a Court of Queen's Bench judge could
order the property vacated.

"This legislation is unique in Canada," Justice Minister Gord
Mackintosh said. "There is nothing like it in the country."

The scheme, which utilizes the civil courts, is similar to one
introduced by the Tories prior to the last election as part of its
get-tough-on-crime campaign.

Mackintosh noted, however, that the Tory plan, which was never
proclaimed into law, placed the onus on individuals to push the matter
through the courts. It also was up to residents to gather evidence
about alleged houses of ill repute. "The concept was good but the
legislation was bad," Mackintosh said, noting the current law is
designed to go after habitual offenders and not people who have the
occasional rowdy party.

After making a complaint -- the complainant will remain anonymous --
an investigator from the Justice Department will be assigned to verify
its validity. Mackintosh said they will also rely on information from
other departments, such as Manitoba Housing, to evaluate the allegation.

Police Insp. Stan Tataryn said it's another valuable tool for cleaning
up neighbourhoods. "We know the frustration of communities," Tataryn
said.

Larry Leroux of the West Broadway Neighborhood Council said the
legislation is long overdue. "It's about time," Leroux said. "We've
been looking forward to this for a long time. What I like about it is
that it goes after the owners."

There are already civil remedies, such as nuisance and trespassing
laws, to deal with problem neighbours, but Mackintosh said residents
rarely use them because the process is time-consuming and they are
fearful of repercussions.

Mackintosh said a specific budget hasn't been created for the
initiative. He said the province will evaluate it after one year and
then decide on funding levels.