Conservative Party of Canada leader Andrew Scheer announced his policy plank last week to crack down on gangs throughout the country.
The policy is described as part one of a three-part platform titled A Safer Canada – Cracking Down on Gangs. The plan, announced Thursday in Brampton, focuses heavily on tougher penalties, stricter parole provisions, and some new Criminal Code provisions to address the issue.
According to a news release issued Thursday of last week from the party, the five planks are as follows:
Ending automatic bail for gang members – The Conservatives pledged that arrested repeat gang offenders will be held without bail. They noted even dangerous gang members known to police often go back on the streets, wasting police resources and posing a risk to communities.
Identifying gangs in the Criminal Code – The Conservatives are pledging to create and maintain a list of proven criminal organizations, to help law enforcement prosecute gang members faster.
Revoking parole for gang members – In addition to requirements to keep the peace and abstain from drugs and alcohol, the Conservatives are pledging to require those on parole to cut ties with gangs. They point to statistics showing offenders are more likely to re-offend if they are in a gang.
Tougher sentences for ordering gang crime – The Conservatives are looking towards bringing in mandatory sentences in federal prison for directing gang crime. These are instances where gang leaders order others to commit crimes, and the Conservatives complain that these sorts of crimes are often subject to very short sentences.
New sentences for violent gang crime – Finally, the Conservatives are pledging to create new offences for committing and ordering violent gang crime and attach mandatory sentences in federal prison for each. The idea is to address the rise in gang-related murders, assaults, robberies and other violent acts.
“Gang violence is unfortunately becoming more and more common on our otherwise safe streets and Canadians are worried about their safety,” said Scheer in a statement. “Conservatives will put an end to the revolving door for gang members. A Conservative government will take action to make it easier for police to target gang members and put them where they belong: behind bars.”
The Conservative leader also blasted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for failing to address the problem, saying he is “softening penalties for gang crimes to as little as an administrative fine.”
“Canadians deserve to feel safe where they live,” said Scheer.
