WINDSOR, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 08/21/11 -- Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, delivered keynote remarks at the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Annual General Meeting. Minister Fantino highlighted the Harper Government's strong mandate to continue supporting our police officers by introducing new measures to improve the safety of Canadian families and communities.
"Our government has a strong mandate from Canadians to continue our work strengthening the safety of our families and communities. Canadians expect us to deliver on our commitments and we will not let them down," said Minister Fantino. "We are proud of our strong record of supporting law enforcement. Our government has taken significant action to ensure that the interests of families and communities are placed above those of criminals."
The Government of Canada has delivered comprehensive measures over the past several years to support the crucial work of law enforcement. Specifically, these measures include:
-- Increasing funding for crime prevention by over 50% since 2008/09;
-- Strengthening the National Sex Offender Registry so it actually works to
prevent and solve crimes;
-- Delivering justice for victims by ensuring serious criminals serve
sentences that reflect the severity of their crimes; and
-- Supporting the provinces with a $400-million police officers recruitment
fund that has increased police strength across the country to its
highest since 1981.
Within the first 100 sitting days of Parliament, the Harper Government is committed to passing important legislation such as:
-- Giving law enforcement up-to-date tools to fight crime in today's high-
tech communications environment;
-- Eliminating pardons for serious criminals, including those who sexually
abuse our children; and
-- Putting public safety first when considering requests to transfer
criminals back to Canada.
"Our government will continue supporting our law enforcement by ensuring they have effective tools and a strong justice system with which to address crime effectively," added Minister Fantino.
Contacts:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
