Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Scheer Promises Mandatory Sentence Of Five Years For Child Abuse

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 May, 2019 08:24 PM

    OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer pledged Thursday to get tough on crime with mandatory minimum sentences of five years for anyone convicted of abusing children.

     

    Scheer, who made an announcement in the Montreal suburb of Delson, Que., said he will ensure sentences for sexual crimes against children take into account the length and severity of abuse.


    Wounds from sexual abuse last a lifetime, Scheer said, adding the penalty should "fit the crime" and that survivors need to be assured the federal government will ensure offenders are appropriately punished.


    "Under my leadership, a Conservative government will always put the rights of victims ahead of the rights of criminals," Scheer said in a statement. "We will ensure that anyone who harms or sexually exploits a child will be behind bars, where they belong, for a very long time."


    The Conservatives say that additional federal action is required because sentences for horrific crimes involving children are "woefully inadequate."


    The Criminal Code has provisions on sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation that carry maximum and minimum penalties, depending on whether a charge is pursued as an indictable offence or a summary conviction. Those can range from 90 days to 14 years behind bars.


    Scheer has been rolling out a series of policy announcements ahead of the October election as he works to define himself and his party with Canadians.


    On Wednesday, he pledged funding for police, survivor services and public awareness to fight human trafficking, adding he will make changes to the Criminal Code to make it easier to convict people accused of it.


    He's also in the middle of a five-speech series to lay out his views on issues such as foreign policy, the economy and the environment.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Doctors Group Survey Suggests Worries Growing Over Paying Boomers' Health Bills

    Doctors Group Survey Suggests Worries Growing Over Paying Boomers' Health Bills
    CHARLOTTETOWN — A survey commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association indicates there is growing concern about how to pay for the care of aging baby boomers.

    Doctors Group Survey Suggests Worries Growing Over Paying Boomers' Health Bills

    Cher's Waiting Fans Shocked As 'Sudden Short-Term Illness' Cancels Winnipeg Show

    WINNIPEG — Thousands of Cher's fans grumbled with disappointment on Tuesday night after the pop diva unexpectedly cancelled her Winnipeg show while they were already inside the arena.

    Cher's Waiting Fans Shocked As 'Sudden Short-Term Illness' Cancels Winnipeg Show

    Vancouver Police Officer Charged With Dangerous Driving For Incident Last Year

    Vancouver Police Officer Charged With Dangerous Driving For Incident Last Year
    VANCOUVER — A Vancouver police officer has been charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm.    

    Vancouver Police Officer Charged With Dangerous Driving For Incident Last Year

    Woman Injured After Being Pushed Off Cliff Into Thetis Lake Near Victoria

    VIEW ROYAL, B.C. — A woman is recovering from injuries after being pushed off a cliff and into a lake in a regional park near the Victoria suburb of View Royal.

    Woman Injured After Being Pushed Off Cliff Into Thetis Lake Near Victoria

    B.C. Toddler Airlifted After Tumble From Third-Floor Balcony In Kelowna

    B.C. Toddler Airlifted After Tumble From Third-Floor Balcony In Kelowna
     A toddler had to be airlifted to hospital in Vancouver after tumbling from a third-floor balcony in Kelowna, B.C.

    B.C. Toddler Airlifted After Tumble From Third-Floor Balcony In Kelowna

    Surrey Man Harmit Johal Charged With Impersonating Cop To Get Money From Elderly Couple

    Surrey Man Harmit Johal Charged With Impersonating Cop To Get Money From Elderly Couple
    RCMP say they received a report of a man posing as an undercover police officer and telling a couple he was investigating counterfeit money.

    Surrey Man Harmit Johal Charged With Impersonating Cop To Get Money From Elderly Couple