The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Vic Toews, Q.C., has introduced legislation to toughen sentencing for crimes involving firearms by enhancing the mandatory minimum penalty provisions of the Criminal Code. These amendments, along with proposed restrictions on conditional sentences, are the first steps in a series of actions being taken by the government to tackle crime, as promised in the Speech from the Throne. "Our new government made a clear commitment to get tough with gun crime," said Minister Toews. "It is a top priority, and we are following through with this bill." "The legislation responds to the call for action from police across Canada to the Government for increased appreciation and support for the rights of law-abiding citizens," said Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day. "With this initiative the government will deliver on its promise to get tough on crime and make communities safer." Under the proposed legislation, the use of a firearm in committing a serious offence will be subject to a significant sentence. If, for example, an offence is gang-related, or if a restricted or prohibited firearm such as a handgun is used, the minimum penalty will be: Five years on a first offence Seven years if the accused has one prior conviction involving the use of a firearm to commit an offence Ten years if the accused has more than one prior conviction for using a firearm to commit an offence Other firearm-related offences, such as firearms trafficking and smuggling, or the new offence of robbery where a firearm is stolen, will also be subject to higher escalating minimum penalties: Three years on a first offence Five years if the accused has a serious prior firearm-related conviction An online version of the legislation will be available at www.parl.gc.ca
