Stricter Sentences For Gun Crimes: Canadian Alliance

November 8, 2002

OTTAWA – Canadian Alliance MP Jay Hill expressed his outrage over the Liberal Government’s indifference to increased gun violence in Toronto.  Hill asked the following question in Question Period today: 

“Canadians in Toronto are increasingly vulnerable to gun related crimes.  Over the last weekend in October, four people were killed by gunfire and another five wounded in three separate incidents of violence,”  

“Instead of going after law-abiding hunters and gun owners with its billion dollar firearm registry, the Liberal Government should get tough on the criminal misuse of firearms.  When will the government introduce legislation which ensures mandatory minimum sentences for criminals convicted of using a gun in the commission of a crime is upheld?” 

“Toronto Police Chief Fantino blames the increased violence in his city on ‘guns, drugs and gangs’.  Instead of targeting law-abiding gun owners, why won’t the Liberal Government enact consecutive sentences for firearm-related crimes?” 

The Canadian Alliance will continue to highlight the need for stricter penalties for those who use firearms during the commission of a criminal offence.