Julian Fantino, MP - Vaughan - Statement on the shootings in Toronto

July 17, 2012

Today, Ministers Fantino, Toews and Nicholson issued the following statement on the shootings in Toronto that led to the death of two individuals and injured 21 innocent people, including one infant:

“Our Government was very saddened to hear about this shooting in Toronto last night. We condemn this brazen shooting and extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.

“Canadians are concerned about violent crime, that’s why over the past six years our Government has introduced tough-on-crime legislation, like the Safe Streets and Communities Act, to keep dangerous criminals and gang members off the streets and out of our communities. We have also taken steps to ensure our border is open to legitimate travel and trade but closed to criminals and gun smugglers

“Our Conservative Government has introduced mandatory minimum penalties for all serious firearms offences. We call on the Opposition to support victims and our actions to improve the safety of Canadian families. Canadians can count on us to stand up for victims and to continue strengthening our justice system so that those who commit serious crimes, particularly with firearms, serve serious jail time.

“Illegal guns and the criminals who use them have no place in our society. Our Government is committed to ensuring criminals are held fully accountable for their actions and that the safety and security of law-abiding Canadians comes first in Canada’s justice system.”

Backgrounder:

Our legislation to crack down on organized crime (Bill C-14) made all-gang related murders automatically first degree murder.
Bill C-14 also cracked down on drive-by shootings by creating a new criminal offence for that purpose.
Our Government’s Tackling Violent Crime Act brought in a five year mandatory minimum penalty for all serious firearms offences.
We are also fighting gangs by cracking down on the activities that fund them such as auto theft, ID theft, drugs, and human trafficking
The Safe Streets and Communities Act eliminates the use of so-called “house arrest”, or conditional sentences, for serious and violent crimes.
Our Government has invested significantly to strengthen our border and crack down on gun smugglers. In 2006, we announced a MOU with the United States that aided criminal investigations involving firearms on both sides of the border.
We also introduced initiatives such as Shiprider and Integrated Border Enforcement Teams. These initiatives have been very successful, in 2010, 4,649 prohibited weapons were seized at the border. In addition, our Government’s new travel exemptions are allowing CBSA to focus its resources on preventing the importation of illegal handguns and other prohibited items.