Minister MacKay Holds Roundtable In Edmonton To Discuss Criminal Justice Legislation

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Aug. 22, 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.

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

"This discussion today in Edmonton will undoubtedly provide invaluable insight into the criminal justice issues Canadians face every day, as our Government continues to work with our partners to improve the justice system to adequately respond to the realities of our evolving society. We need to make sure that all Canadians, particularly victims and the vulnerable, trust that our justice system is working for them and is contributing to keeping them safe."

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Peter MacKay

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

Follow Department of Justice Canada on Twitter (@JusticeCanadaEn), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.