MINISTER COTLER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO COMBAT GUN CRIME

OTTAWA, November 25, 2005 – Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, today introduced legislation in Parliament to combat gun and gang violence.

"These legislative measures are an important part of a three-pronged strategy to combat gun-related crimes through tougher laws and penalties, more effective law enforcement and prosecutions and community-based prevention initiatives," said Minister Cotler. "Through the provisions of this Bill, the Government is sending a strong message of denunciation. We consider these crimes to be very serious and they are being treated as such."

The twelve legislative amendments to the firearms provisions of the Criminal Code include enhanced mandatory minimum penalties for firearms smuggling, trafficking and the illegal possession of loaded handguns in public places; two new offences of break and enter to steal a firearm and robbery where a firearm has been stolen; and reforms that would expand the use of prohibition orders, restrict parole and facilitate witness testimony.

This legislation is an important element of the Government's gun and urban violence strategy. It builds on previous initiatives such as Minister Cotler's proposed agreement with the Province of Ontario to create dedicated, integrated teams of federal and provincial officials to collaborate and coordinate efforts to prosecute gun crimes.

"This unique model to law enforcement, which will include police, prosecutors, paralegals and other professionals, could be used by other provinces," Minister Cotler added.

The third component of what the Minister referred to as an "inclusive and balanced" strategy includes:

• the Prime Minister's announcement of a Gun Violence and Gang Prevention Fund under the National Crime Prevention Strategy, made on November 9, 2005 with Toronto mayor David Miller ;
• support for community-based youth justice programs and partnerships to promote fair and effective approaches in responding to youth in conflict with the law; and
• community investments through the Youth Employment Strategy and the Justice Department's on-going programming and partnerships to provide hope and opportunities for youth and communities at risk across the country.

"We need to combat the causes of crime as well as crime itself," said Minister Cotler. "That is the raison-d'être of this crime prevention strategy."

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Ref.:

Marc Chalifoux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Media Relations Office
Department of Justice Canada
(613) 957-4207