Minister MacKay Holds Roundtable in Vancouver to Discuss

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 19, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada

Today, the Minister of Justice the Hon. Peter MacKay P.C., Q.C., MP for Central Nova, 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 the Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C, MP for Delta-Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue.

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

"It is important for us to take these opportunities to have meaningful dialogue to address the concerns of communities like Vancouver across the country, as they face the important and often devastating impacts of crime. As society evolves, we need to be prepared to modernize our laws so that those who break the law can be held accountable and those hurt by crime can feel confident that the harms done to them will be appropriately addressed. Our Government is pleased to meet with our various stakeholders to ensure that the Canadian justice system reflects the values and meets the needs of our communities."

Hon. Peter MacKay, P.C., Q.C.

MP for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"Our Government is committed to keeping Canada's streets and communities safe. It is an honour to welcome Justice Minister Peter MacKay to Vancouver today to meet with law enforcement officers and legal professionals to talk about their experiences and to ensure that Canada's justice system is able to respond to their needs and the needs of victims."

Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C.

MP for Delta-Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue

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