Department of Justice

G-8 MINISTERS OF JUSTICE AND OF THE INTERIOR REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO FIGHT TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

OTTAWA, February 28, 2001 – The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, joined her G-8 counterparts in Milan in renewing their commitment to fight organized crime, terrorism, migrant smuggling and the sexual exploitation of children. The meeting of Ministers of Justice and the Interior of the G-8 concluded yesterday.

"I am pleased with the thorough discussions we had, and I am confident that with international co-operation, Canada will continue to make progress in combatting transnational crime," said Minister McLellan. "The Government of Canada will continue to work toward fulfilling our commitment to protecting Canadians by ensuring that these important issues remain priorities of our justice agenda."

In Milan, Minister McLellan noted that Canada is working to strengthen legislation to better safeguard children, including protecting them from criminals on the Internet. Minister McLellan will introduce provisions to update the Criminal Code to target those who use the Internet to lure children.

Canada is working with other countries toward an early ratification of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols against the trafficking of persons and the smuggling of migrants. Canada signed the Convention and the Protocols in December 2000 in Palermo, Italy. By signing the Convention, Canada reiterated its commitment to combat organized crime and co-operate with other countries to stem the organized smuggling of migrants and the trafficking of human beings, and enhance the battle against organized crime activities such as money laundering and corruption. Work is continuing to finalize the third protocol to limit the trafficking in firearms.

Canada and its international partners also reaffirmed their commitment to provide each other with a high level of international co-operation and mutual legal assistance in the investigation and prosecution of terrorism through strengthened bilateral and multilateral efforts.

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Ref.:

Farah Mohamed
Director of Communications
Minister McLellan's Office
(613) 992-4621

Joan Howe
Communications Branch
Department of Justice
(613) 957-4205