CRIMINALS WILL BE MADE TO GIVE UP PROPERTY

OTTAWA - Justice Minister Irwin Cotler says he'll "soon" table an
unprecedented bill in Parliament that would make it easier for the
government to seize and forfeit the illicit property of people convicted of
organized crimes, and possibly other serious offences.

In an interview Wednesday, Cotler confirmed for the first time that he'll
introduce legislation that could be even broader than a sweeping private
member's proceeds-of-crime bill that was jointly endorsed last October by
the Bloc Quebecois, Conservatives and NDP.

Cotler disclosed his plans a day before the Commons is scheduled to debate
an opposition motion demanding the Liberals table a proceeds-of-crime bill
by April 30, 2005.

"We are working on our proposed legislation," Cotler said in an interview.