Prime Minister pledges to tackle street racing

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that the government will introduce legislation this spring to crack down on street racing.  “Let’s be clear, street racing isn’t about kids having fun.  It's reckless, dangerous, and all too often it kills." said the Prime Minister.  “That is why our government will introduce legislation to tackle this serious problem head on.”   

The effect of the legislation will be twofold.  First, the legislation will create a new Criminal Code offence for street racing, one which will result in stiffer sentences for street racers.  Second, the legislation will introduce driving prohibitions for those who are convicted.

There have already been a number of street racing deaths this year.  In January, a Toronto cab driver was killed instantly when his car was hit by an alleged street racer.  Less than a week later, four young men were killed as a result of a street racing accident in Vancouver. 

Today’s announcement marks the latest step in the government’s effort to crack down on crime. Earlier this month, Justice Minister Vic Toews introduced legislation to put an end to condition sentences for serious offences and establish mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes.  The Prime Minister pledged to continue moving forward on the government’s agenda of making Canadian communities safer.