This past week, our government shifted its focus to another important concern facing our country – gangs and organized crime.  While we continue to press ahead with significant measures to stimulate our economy, we also recognize that there are certain other issues that can’t be ignored.

We in Moose Jaw are fortunate to live in a relatively safe and secure community.  However, in recent months, those who live in and around Vancouver, BC have not been so lucky.  In the first two months of 2009, there have been more than a dozen shootings in the Vancouver area, most of which police say are linked to the drug trade. 

I am pleased to say that our government is taking strong and decisive action to help those suffering from gang violence in British Columbia.  New legislation, introduced this past week, will also help to discourage gangs and gang activity in our own communities, in Moose Jaw and throughout the country.

This legislation will mean mandatory prison sentences for anyone convicted of organized crime-related drug trafficking or weapons offences. 

Judges will be able to impose mandatory prison terms for crimes where drugs are sold to children or where sales are made near schools or places that children are often found. 

Maximum penalties for producing illegal drugs will be increased from 7 to 14 years and murders connected to gangs and organized crime will be automatically classified as first-degree.

Since taking office, our government has taken action to make our communities safer.  We have increased the number of law enforcement officers on our streets, we have introduced mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes, and we have brought in tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders. 

This new action to fight gang crime and protect law-abiding Canadians will build on our previous action to deliver safer communities across the country.  These most recent measures will go a long way, not only to assist British Columbians, but to send a message to organized crime that their illegal activities will not be tolerated in our communities.