STATEMENT FROM MINISTER TOEWS ON AMENDMENTS TO CONDITIONAL SENTENCING BILL

OTTAWA, October 24, 2006 – The Honourable Vic Toews, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, made the following statement today, in response to a motion passed yesterday at the House of Commons Justice Committee to weaken Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conditional sentence of imprisonment).

"It is disappointing to see the opposition so out of touch with Canadians when it comes to tackling crime. Canadian families expect the government to get tough on crime, and our Bill followed through on our commitment to do so.

"Bill C-9 aims to limit conditional sentences or 'house arrest' for serious crimes. Opposition members of the committee supported a motion yesterday to remove a number of property offences from the Bill. If the Bill were to pass the House of Commons as amended, persons convicted of non-personal injury crimes such as theft over $5,000 (which includes most auto theft), robberies and break and enters would remain eligible for conditional sentences.

"Property crimes aren't victimless crimes. Having a car stolen or a home broken into is a traumatic experience. Crimes like these can turn the lives of Canadian families upside down. I'm disappointed that the concerns of victims of these crimes don't seem to have been taken into account.

"Tackling crime and protecting public safety will remain a key priority for the Government. But allowing auto thieves, for instance, to remain in the community where they committed their crimes is not the way to protect the public or respond to victims. Canada's New Government will continue to work to ensure that serious crimes will result in significant consequences. "

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Ref.:

Mark Quinlan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207