CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT KEEPS ITS PROMISES ON CRIME, GUNS AND DRUGS

Promises made, promises kept. This is the new federal government led
by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The recent federal budget proved
this to be true, and so did the announcement by the prime minister on
April 19 in Winnipeg that the new Conservative government would crack
down on crime and criminals, gangs and guns, and drugs.

Stephen Harper's announcment outlined our government's "get tough on
crime" package, which was promised during the recent federal
election. It included a promise that this spring, we would introduce
the first three steps in our plan to comprehensively reform our
criminal justice system. Sure enough, and true to our word, on May 4
Justice Minister Vic Toews introduced legislation to toughen
sentencing for crimes involving firearms by enhancing the mandatory
minimum penalty provisions of the Criminal Code, and as well as
legislation that would end the use of conditional sentences,
including house arrest, for serious offences.

Our new government made a clear commitment to get tough with gun
crime and we will not tolerate gun and gang-related crimes in our
communities. If criminals are to be held to account, they must face a
punishment that matches the severity of their crime.

By ensuring that tougher mandatory minimum sentences are imposed for
serious and repeat firearms crime, our government is moving to
restore confidence in the justice system, and make our streets and
communities safer. As we promised during the election campaign, there
will be clear consequences for crimes committed with guns and prison
sentences that are in keeping with the gravity of the offences.
Serious crime will mean serious time.

Under the proposed legislation, the use of a firearm in committing a
serious offence will be subject to tough sentencing. If, for example,
an offence is gang-related, or if a restricted or prohibited firearm
such as a handgun is used, the minimum penalty will be five years for
a first offence, seven years if the accused has one prior conviction
involving the use of a firearm to commit an offence, and 10 years if
the accused has more than one prior conviction. These sentences are mandatory.

Other firearm-related offences, such as firearms trafficking and
smuggling, or the new offence of robbery where a firearm is stolen,
will also be subject to higher escalating minimum penalties. They
include three years on a first offence and five years if the accused
has a serious prior firearm-related conviction. These sentences too
will be mandatory.

Our government also plans on implementing a new National Drug
Strategy, and we will be raising the age of consent for sexual
relations between children and adults from 14 to 16 years of age. The
increased age of consent will bring Canada more in line with the rest
of the world, such as the U.K, Australia and most American states.

Winnipeg police chief and President of the Canadian Association of
Chiefs of Police, Jack Ewastski, has praised our government and said
that his association supports mandatory sentencing for serious crimes
as well as the elimination of conditional sentencing for those
convicted of serious offences.

He said that his association is "heartened to know the Harper-led
government's stated commitment to enacting a national drug strategy,
with a particular focus on youth. This is a topic of ongoing concern
to the CACP because of the harms associated with substance abuse, the
use of illicit drugs, the human costs to individuals, families and
communities, and the challenges presented for both prevention and law
enforcement."

We will continue to pursue our government's priorities, not only in
the area of crime and community safety but in all areas. The people
of my riding, and all Canadians, can be assured that we will deliver
on our promises somewhat of a novelty given the 13 years of Liberal
broken promises and mismanagement.