MP Gallant Supports Safe Streets

February 12, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario - “I am pleased to support the Conservative Government efforts to tackle violent crime. The voters in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke have told me that they appreciate our efforts to crack down on drug and alcohol impaired driving as well as imposing mandatory jail time for serious gun crimes,” stated Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant.

“Local police officers have complained to me how our current justice system allows high risk and repeat offenders back on the street too quickly. It is very demoralizing for police officers to watch individuals charged repeatedly for the same offence set free. As front-line peace officers defending our communities, it is about time we listened to their concerns,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP.

By stalling the passing of Bill C-2, Tackling Violent Crime Act, the unelected and unaccountable Liberal Senate and the Opposition continues to put communities and children at risk. Canadians demand more. They demand cooperation on a bill that affects the lives and well-being of all our loved ones.

“What is absolutely unacceptable is the way Liberal Senators have taken every opportunity to delay new laws to protect children from sexual exploitation, not to mention new laws to keep repeat violent and sexual offenders behind bars. The Tackling Violent Crime Act increases the age of protection for sexual activity from 14 to 16 years old and ensures that high risk and repeat offenders face tougher consequences when they are convicted.”

"Whenever I have asked voters in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke whether they wanted the age of consent raised from 14 to 16 years, they overwhelmingly said yes. In fact a significant number of respondents felt the age should be 18."

“The Tackling Violent Crime Act is our most important piece of legislation. Canadians want it to become law. For two years, first in the elected House, and then the unelected Senate, the opposition have either stalled or delayed this legislation. That is why the Conservative Government introduced a motion in the House of Commons calling on the Senate to pass this badly needed crime legislation by March 1st. The motion clearly states that if the Senate fails to do so it could constitute a loss of confidence and lead to an election.”

“It is time that the opposition stopped playing its petty partisan games and work with us to better protect our children,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.