New measures to protect Canadians

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada’s New Government will introduce legislation to provide tougher sentences and more effective management of individuals convicted of sexual or violent offences in Canada.

“We are going to impose stricter conditions on repeat offenders to keep such criminals from offending again and again,” the Prime Minister said. “We will make it easier to seek dangerous offender designations so that they will serve indeterminate sentences.”

The Prime Minister noted that the proposed legislation will put the onus on offenders convicted of a third violent or sexual offence to prove that they should not be declared dangerous offenders. Those who fail to do so will be subject to an indeterminate jail sentence, with no eligibility for parole for seven years. As well, the legislation would also increase the maximum duration of peace bonds from 12 to 24 months, which will allow additional restrictions and conditions to be placed on the actions of released criminals.

“Our justice system generously gives second and third chances,” the Prime Minister added.  “But at some point, governments must draw the line and this bill will do just that.”

Since assuming office earlier this year, Canada’s New Government has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at tackling crime and protecting the safety and security of Canadians. These include legislation to end conditional sentences for serious offences, to implement mandatory minimum sentences for crimes involving guns, to raise the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 to 16 years and to crack down on street racing.