OTTAWA (25 January 2012) – Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, was pleased to stand and vote in favour of Bill C-10 as it successfully passed the House of Commons. “We promised in our election platform that this legislation would be passed within the first 100 sitting days of Parliament, and we followed through,” said Benoit. “Bill C-10 includes comprehensive reforms that had been debated during the previous session, but never became law due to delay tactics used by the Opposition.”
The components of the Act include:
- increased penalties for sexual offences against children;
- tougher sentences for organized drug crime;
- Sébastien’s law: to better protect the public from violent and repeat young offenders;
- ending house arrest for serious crimes;
- providing victims with the right to attend parole hearings;
- eliminating pardons for serious crimes;
- additional discretion for the Minister of Public Safety when considering the return of Canadian offenders from abroad;
- increased accountability for victims of terrorism; and
- increased protection for vulnerable immigrants from human trafficking and exploitation.
“Our Government received a strong mandate to keep working for safety of Canadians and their families,” explained Benoit. “And, despite the fact that the Opposition continues to delay and attempt to water down this legislation in the Senate, Canadians can count on our Government’s commitment to standing up for the rights of victims ensuring criminals are held fully accountable for their actions. I find it very interesting that the Opposition wants to treat honest farmers and duck hunters like criminals, yet they oppose tougher sentences for dangerous offenders and sexual predators!”
