May 25, 2010

NDP READY TO GO CAP IN HAND TO OTTAWA FOR ANOTHER BAIL-OUT

Manitoba Unprepared For Tougher Sentencing Legislation

While most provinces in Canada are preparing to increase jail capacity in anticipation of tougher sentencing legislation, Manitoba’s NDP is woefully unprepared to take dangerous criminals off the streets, says Progressive Conservative Justice Critic Kelvin Goertzen.

“The elimination of 2-for-1 sentencing and mandatory sentences for property and drug crimes are very welcome and needed changes. While the federal Conservative government has made it clear that these changes are coming, the NDP has failed to make provisions in Manitoba,” said Goertzen.

After ignoring the coming challenge, Manitoba’s NDP Attorney General said last week he has not ruled out going cap-in-hand to Ottawa for money to increase jail capacity.

“Ignoring the problem for years and then begging for money from Ottawa isn’t a plan, it’s a cop-out. Perhaps the NDP were hoping their federal colleagues would kill the legislation and they wouldn’t have to deal with the messy job of getting dangerous criminals off the streets,” said Goertzen.

Goertzen fears that with inadequate jail space, there is no motivation for government to speed up an already slow court process because many individuals waiting for trial stay in the community.

“There isn’t much incentive to move people to trial quickly if you have no place to put them when they are convicted,” said Goertzen.

With a high per population crime rate, Goertzen said Manitoba may be impacted by tougher sentencing legislation more than most provinces.