MINISTER OF JUSTICE PROPOSES TOUGHER MANDATORY MINIMUM PRISON SENTENCES FOR GUN CRIMES

OTTAWA, May 4, 2006 – Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Vic Toews, Q.C., today introduced legislation to toughen sentencing for crimes involving firearms by enhancing the mandatory minimum penalty provisions of the Criminal Code. These amendments, along with proposed restrictions on conditional sentences, are the first steps in a series of actions being taken by the Government to tackle crime, as promised in the Speech from the Throne.

“Our new government made a clear commitment to get tough with gun crime,” said Minister Toews. “It is a top priority, and we are following through with this bill.”

“We will not tolerate gun and gang-related crimes in our communities,” added Minister Toews. “By ensuring that tougher mandatory minimum sentences are imposed for serious and repeat firearms crime, we will restore confidence in the justice system, and make our streets safer. There will be clear consequences for gun crime – prison sentences that are in keeping with the gravity of the offence. Serious crime will mean serious time.”

“The legislation responds to the call for action from police across Canada to the Government for increased appreciation and support for the rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day. “With this initiative the Government will deliver on its promise to get tough on crime and make communities safer.”

Under the proposed legislation, the use of a firearm in committing a serious offence will be subject to a significant sentence. 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:

• 5 years on a first offence
• 7 years if the accused has one prior conviction involving the use of a firearm to commit an offence
• 10 years if the accused has more than one prior conviction for using a firearm to commit an offence

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:

• 3 years on a first offence
• 5 years if the accused has a serious prior firearm-related conviction

An online version of the legislation will be available at www.parl.gc.ca.

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Ref.:

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

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