MINISTER OF JUSTICE MOVES TO END HOUSE ARREST FOR SERIOUS AND VIOLENT OFFENCES

OTTAWA, May 4, 2006 – Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Vic Toews, Q.C., today introduced legislation that would end the use of conditional sentences – including house arrest – for serious offences, as part of the Government's Speech from the Throne commitment to tackle crime.

"Our new government has made safe streets and communities a key priority," said Minister Toews. "This legislation meets the commitment we made to Canadians."

"If criminals are to be held to account, they must face a punishment that matches the severity of their crime," added Minister Toews. "These reforms will put an end to the use of conditional sentences for serious and violent offences. People who commit serious crimes should serve their time behind bars, not in the community."

"Front-line officers, especially the police, have stated loudly and clearly that rethinking conditional sentences is necessary to make our communities safer," said Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day. " The proposed legislation sends a strong message to criminals – serious crime will mean serious time."

The proposed reforms would prohibit the use of conditional sentences for offences prosecuted by indictment and punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years or more. Those convicted of serious violent and sexual offences, as well as other significant crimes, such as major drug offences, would be ineligible to receive a conditional sentence.

The reforms will help ensure a cautious and more appropriate use of conditional sentences, reserving them for less serious offences that pose a low risk to community safety.

A conditional sentence is a sentence of imprisonment of less than two years that may be served in the community if several pre-conditions are met. The offender must then abide by other conditions, including house arrest or curfew.

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
Department of Justice
(613) 957-4207