Vellacott: Liberal gutting of “Tough on Crime” law proves they’re soft on crime

OTTAWA – Yesterday, Michael Ignatieff’s own Liberal senators gutted Bill C-25, a key piece of anti-crime legislation that seeks to end the practice of reducing criminals’ sentences at a 2 for 1 ratio for time served in pre-trial custody. (For example, if a criminal is sentenced to a 6 year sentence, but was in jail for 2 years awaiting trial, he would serve only 2 years following his conviction and sentencing – 2 years for a 6 year sentence!)

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MP Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) reacted, “We have always known that the Liberals were soft on crime. Now their new Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has confirmed it yet again.” Despite overwhelming public support for the “tough on crime” provisions of Bill C-25, Michael Ignatieff’s Liberals gutted the bill by passing an amendment that continues the practice of 2 for 1 sentencing. Bill C-25, with a clause removing the practice of 2 for 1 sentencing, had been passed earlier on a unanimous basis in the House of Commons. Bill C-25 is supported by provincial justice ministers from all parties, as well as victims’ groups and police associations. Vellacott said, “Canadians have been very clear that they want criminals’ sentences to reflect the crime. Yet Michael Ignatieff has allowed his Liberals to gut this important piece of anti-crime legislation.” Vellacott continued: “This demonstrates that Michael Ignatieff is not serious about fighting crime. He’s not in it for the protection of Canadians. His long absence has left him out of touch with the priorities of Canadian citizens.”

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