Getting Things Done on Mandatory Minimum Penalties

April 30, 2007

The House of Commons today resumed debate on the Conservative government bill to increase mandatory minimum penalties for gun crime.

Bill C-10 provides for escalating mandatory minimum penalties for serious firearm offences.

Despite campaigning on a promise to double mandatory minimums in the last election, Stéphane Dion and the Liberals have fought at every step to water down Bill C-10, just as they have fought to water-down other tough-on-crime measures, including:

• C-9: a bill that would restrict the use of conditional sentences (i.e. house arrest) for serious crimes;

• C-27: a bill that would reverse the onus for criminals convicted of two prior violent or sexual offences; and

• C-35: a bill to reverse onus on bail applications involving firearms offences.

Canadians expect their government to get tough on crime.

While the Liberals continue to earn their soft on crime reputation, Canada’s New Government will tackle crime, protect our streets and communities and build a stronger, safer, better Canada.