OTTAWA (CP) - Street racers would face mandatory driving bans and, in cases where they kill someone, could spend life in prison under legislation introduced by the Conservative government.
"Street racing is not about kids having fun," Justice Minister Vic Toews said Thursday after tabling the bill.
"It's reckless, it's dangerous and too often it kills."
The legislation, promised by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as part of a get-tough-on-crime agenda, was dismissed by some opponents as political window dressing.
Joe Comartin, the NDP justice critic, pointed out that street racing is already illegal under Criminal Code provisions dealing with dangerous driving and criminal negligence.
If Toews wanted to fine-tune the penalties he could have done so by simply amending the current laws, said Comartin.
"Trying to create a full separate offence here really is a waste of time. It really is just politically motivated."
Toews contended that adding a specific new offence to the law books sends an important message to the public.
"Street racing on Canada's roads and highways will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with."
The minister won enthusiastic backing from police in British Columbia, where the issue has been a hot one for years.
"You can always find a current criminal statute to address certain behaviours," said Chief Const. Jamie Graham of the Vancouver police.
"(But when) Parliament creates a special section saying 'We're elected officials, we feel this is important,' then the courts will take notice."
read rest here:
http://start.shaw.ca/start/enCA/News/NationalNewsArticle.htm?&src=n061547A.xml
"Street racing is not about kids having fun," Justice Minister Vic Toews said Thursday after tabling the bill.
"It's reckless, it's dangerous and too often it kills."
The legislation, promised by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as part of a get-tough-on-crime agenda, was dismissed by some opponents as political window dressing.
Joe Comartin, the NDP justice critic, pointed out that street racing is already illegal under Criminal Code provisions dealing with dangerous driving and criminal negligence.
If Toews wanted to fine-tune the penalties he could have done so by simply amending the current laws, said Comartin.
"Trying to create a full separate offence here really is a waste of time. It really is just politically motivated."
Toews contended that adding a specific new offence to the law books sends an important message to the public.
"Street racing on Canada's roads and highways will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with."
The minister won enthusiastic backing from police in British Columbia, where the issue has been a hot one for years.
"You can always find a current criminal statute to address certain behaviours," said Chief Const. Jamie Graham of the Vancouver police.
"(But when) Parliament creates a special section saying 'We're elected officials, we feel this is important,' then the courts will take notice."
read rest here:
http://start.shaw.ca/start/enCA/News/NationalNewsArticle.htm?&src=n061547A.xml