MP REPORT: LACK OF INFO QUICKLY TURNS TO MISINFORMATION

In my relatively brief time as a Member of Parliament I have observed
that when there is a lack of information that void is filled very
quickly with misinformation. Case in point is Bill C-10, otherwise
known as the omnibus crime bill. Some would have you believe that the
intent of this bill is solely about incarcerating anyone and everyone
convicted of committing a crime, regardless of the severity, and
essentially throwing away the key. I believe it is important to talk
about the types of serious crime that are actually being targeted in Bill C-10.

Child Pornography. If you choose to manufacture or distribute
pornographic material involving children you can expect a minimum six
month jail sentence instead of the current 90 day maximum. Engage in
sexual assault against a child and you will go to jail and no longer
be eligible for house arrest. "Date Rape" drugs will now be recognized
for the real danger they can present to innocent victims. These types
of crimes are not restricted to larger urban areas, families and
innocent victims have been subject to these types of serious crimes
here in our riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla.

I have met with victims and attended events that focus on
victimization and the cruel impacts of sexual assault. Those who have
suffered these types of traumas are understandably looking for changes
and greater protection to the public from sexual predators.

Bill C-10 also addresses other subjects that many citizens have
requested action on. For example Bill C-10 will ensure that those who
commit manslaughter or aggravated assault will no longer be able to
return to the community under house arrest. I can pass on from a
recent experience in one Okanagan residential neighborhood that when a
killing has occurred and the alleged assailant is allowed to return to
the community in question this situation creates fear and anxiety for
all involved.

Everyday law abiding citizens should not be afraid for their own
safety or the safety of a loved one nor fear being able to go for a
walk or visit friends and neighbors.

Two of the most common areas of misunderstanding about Bill C-10
pertain to increased enforcement penalties for drug offences,
including marijuana, and a belief by some that that there are no
rehabilitation aspects to Bill C-10.

With respect to increased penalties for drug trafficking, it should be
noted that these increased penalties only apply under specific
circumstances. Drug tracking that involves organized crime, threats of
violence and the use of a weapon all fall into this category. Likewise
trafficking drugs in or near a school or other area where children are
present will also bring about increased penalties.

As for rehabilitation, Bill C-10 allows a court to suspend a sentence
while an offender undergoes a court approved drug treatment program as
permitted under provincial jurisdiction. These programs encourage
offenders to deal with the addiction that often motivates criminal
behaviour. If the offender successfully completes the treatment
program, the court may impose a suspended or reduced sentence.

I recognize that there are some who believe that criminals and sexual
predators are better off in our communities and not in jail where they
cannot reoffend. Some citizens believe that criminal's rights should
come before those of victims. In a free and democratic country as
great as Canada it is expected that citizens will have different views
on many important subjects. To be clear Bill C-10 ensures that the
rights of victims will be put ahead of the rights of criminals when
dealing with serious crimes. This is a commitment and priority that my
Government takes seriously and one that many citizens have requested action on.