Government of Canada Welcomes Royal Assent of Private Member's Bill to Protect Children and Hold Criminals Accountable

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 26, 2013) - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., MP for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today welcomed the Royal Assent of Private Member's Bill C-299, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (kidnapping of a young person).

"This Bill will ensure that cases involving the kidnapping of children by strangers are treated with the severity they deserve," said Minister Nicholson.

Sponsored by David Wilks, M.P. for Kootenay-Columbia, this legislation will amend the Criminal Code to impose a mandatory minimum penalty of five years imprisonment on those convicted under subsection 279(1) of the Criminal Code (kidnapping) for kidnapping a child under the age of 16.

"I am very proud that Bill C-299 has received Royal Assent. The protection of children across Canada is paramount," said Mr. Wilks. "This addition to the Criminal Code will ensure that those convicted of kidnapping of a child under the age of 16 receive adequate sentencing."

The Government's support for the proposed legislation is in keeping with the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, one of four priorities identified by the Prime Minister. This plan focuses on holding violent criminals accountable, enhancing the rights of victims, and increasing the efficiency of our justice system.

Internet: www.canada.justice.gc.ca

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