Minister MacKay Holds Roundtable in Brampton to Discuss Criminal Justice Legislation

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 14, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada

Today, Minister of Justice Peter MacKay met with victims, justice system advocates and members of the legal community to discuss several recent measures taken by the Federal Government to keep Canada's streets and communities safe. Minister MacKay was joined at the roundtable by Kyle Seeback, M.P. for Brampton West.

In line with its commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and enhancing the rights of victims, the Federal Government has introduced legislation to protect those who are exploited through prostitution and Canadian communities from the harms that flow from prostitution. The Federal Government has also taken a historic step by introducing legislation to create, at the federal level, clear rights for victims of crime for the first time in Canada.

Minister MacKay outlined the Government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system's response to impaired driving. Building on the tough measures against impaired driving included in the 2008 Tackling Violent Crime Act, the Federal Government continues to discuss with its provincial, territorial, and non-governmental partners other effective measures to protect citizens against the violent and dangerous crime of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Quick Facts

• Bill C-36, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, is a "made-in-Canada" model which would:
  • Criminalize those who purchase sexual services;
  • Continue to criminalize those who financially benefit from the exploitation of others or sell the sexual services of others;
  • Prohibit advertising the sale of sexual services in print or online; and
  • Protect our communities by criminalizing communicating for the purpose of selling sexual services in public places that are near school grounds, playgrounds or daycare centres.
• Bill C-32, the Victims Bill of Rights Act, would create the following statutory rights to ensure victims of crime are heard and considered in our criminal justice system :
  • Right to information;
  • Right to protection;
  • Right to participation; and
  • Right to restitution.
• In 2008, Parliament passed the Tackling Violent Crime Act. This legislation provided the police with better tools to detect and investigate drug- and alcohol-impaired driving and enhanced penalties for impaired driving.
• To better protect our families and our communities, the Government of Canada is engaging in a dialogue across the country to get their views and input on steps going forward.

Quotes

"Our Government is listening to those directly involved with our criminal justice system to ensure that we understand their needs. It is important for us to bring in measures that not only hold offenders accountable for the crimes they have committed, but that also ensure we have a fairer and more efficient system of justice that gives victims the courtesy, compassion and respect they deserve. We are taking concrete action, so that our robust criminal justice system reflects Canadian values and keeps our communities and families safe."

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Peter MacKay

"The safety of the community of Brampton is truly not only a priority for me, but also for our Government. It is by engaging with local front-line workers that we can strengthen our criminal justice system so that it reflects Canadian values. Today provided an excellent opportunity for Minister MacKay and me to gain invaluable input from different perspectives, which will undoubtedly be useful as we move forward with important justice initiatives."

Member of Parliament for Brampton West, Kyle Seeback

Related Products

Backgrounder: Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act

Backgrounder: Overview of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights

Backgrounder: Right to information

Backgrounder: Right to protection

Backgrounder: Right to participation

Backgrounder: Right to restitution

Backgrounder: Victim surcharge

Associated Links

Parliament of Canada LegisInfo

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