Tweed welcomes implementation
of crime bill

 OTTAWA: May 1, 2008 - Merv Tweed, MP for Brandon-Souris, welcomes the implementation of the Government’s tackling violent crime legislation.

 “Today, three sections of our long awaited crime legislation takes effect,” said Tweed.  “Our children will be safer, we will get tougher with serious offenders and our communities will be safer for our law-abiding citizens.”

 The Tackling Violent Crimes Act measures coming into force today are:

• Tougher, mandatory jail time for serious gun crimes;

• Tougher bail rules when a gun is used to commit a crime;

• The increase in the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 to 16 years.

 Two other measures in the crime bill, cracking down on impaired drivers and tougher consequences for high-risk and dangerous offenders, will come into force July 2, 2008.

 “All the measures in this crime bill have been studied at length by Parliament over the past two years,” said Tweed.  “I’m happy to finally see that these tougher laws are now being enforced on the streets to make our neighbourhoods safe.”

 For the full version of the Tackling Violent Crime Act (Bill C-2), visit www.parl.gc.ca