Government Supports Private Member’s Bill to Keep Victims Safe From Conditionally Released Offenders
OTTAWA, May 21, 2013 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the Government’s support for Private Member’s Bill C-489 (restrictions on offenders), An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Sponsored by Mark Warawa, M.P. for Langley, this legislation would impose restrictions on offenders who are conditionally released.
“The Government’s support for this Bill demonstrates our commitment to standing up for victims and keeping our streets and communities safe,” said Minister Nicholson. “I am pleased to support my colleague Mark Warawa in his efforts to protect victims from being further traumatized by contact with their offenders after they are released.”
Bill C-489 proposes that child sexual offenders be prohibited from coming within two kilometres of a victim’s dwelling, and requires that other criminal offenders subject to parole, probation, conditional sentences and child sex offender peace bonds be under strict conditions not to contact their victims, unless the victim consents or there are exceptional circumstances present.
“In my riding of Langley, two brave families lived in constant fear when the sex offender of their child was permitted to serve house arrest in their neighbourhood,” said Mr. Warawa. “In one case, the offender served his sentence right across the street from his young victim, and in the other case, next door to his victim. This legislation will ensure greater peace and security to young victims of crime.”
The Government’s support for the proposed legislation, with some amendments to ensure clarity and consistency with existing law, is in keeping with the Government’s Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, one of four priorities identified recently by the Prime Minister. This plan focuses on holding violent criminals accountable, enhancing the rights of victims, and increasing the efficiency of our justice system.
Backgrounder: Key Accomplishments in Keeping Canadians Safe: Restricting Release for Offenders
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