Prime Minister Harper champions criminal justice reform at police tribute event

Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke about criminal justice reform in Canada at the 15th Annual York Regional Police Appreciation Night, held every year to honour all 1,300 members of the York Police and to present special awards for bravery in the line of duty, outstanding community service and policing excellence.

“Every day you put on your uniform you put yourselves on the line to serve and protect your fellow Canadians,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The work you do is public service of the highest order, deserving of the highest praise.”

The Prime Minister noted that Canada’s New Government has introduced 11 crime bills since taking office. “All these initiatives are designed to rebalance the scales of justice in Canada,” the Prime Minister said. “So you will have the tools you need to continue making the communities you serve safer and stronger.”

Prime Minister Harper also said the judicial selection process in Canada will be improved by the Government’s move to add police representatives to the Judicial Advisory Committees that recommend candidates for the federal bench. “Your profession attracts our best, brightest and bravest young people,” said the Prime Minister. “Their involvement in the judicial selection process will help make our justice system more broadly reflective of the country and the people it serves.”