Effective Crime Prevention Requires Local intervention

June 19, 2009

Fighting crime by strengthening the Criminal Code has long been a major commitment by the Conservative government.   Organized crime involving guns and drugs and escalating violence concerns constituents not only here in Kelowna-Lake Country but across Canada.

The Government has responded through a number of legislative measures which have strengthened mandatory sentencing for serious crimes particularly crimes involving guns, organized crime, drug offences and sexual and violent offenders, restricted the use of conditional sentencing, house arrest and the faint hope clause, raised the age of consent and made stronger the penalties associated with drinking and driving.   

Canadians are supportive of these measures and understand that they are being put in place to ensure the safety and security of our neighbourhoods and communities.

It is incorrect to imply, as some of our detractors do, that the Government’s pursuit of tougher laws is punitive in nature and is done at the expense of the most vulnerable in our society, particularly repeat offenders who suffer from mental illness or a history of mental and physical abuse.

Laws alone cannot prevent crime and, as the Government is aware, addressing crime effectively requires a collaborated effort at the community level to address the underlying issues which result in a cycle of abuse and repeat offences. 

That is why the Government, in close partnership with the provinces and territories, police organizations and municipalities, has provided targeted funding for crime prevention particularly as it relates to youth at risk and other high risk groups.

It is also one of the reasons the Government established the first national Mental Health Commission, a non-profit organization created to focus national attention on mental health issues and to work to improve the health and social outcomes of people living with mental illness.

Here in Kelowna, efforts are being made to take a holistic approach to fighting crime.  The John Howard Society, the Interior Health Authority, the RCMP, the City of Kelowna, the Provincial Court of BC and the Legal Services Society of BC are collaborating with Kelowna Court Watch to establish an alternative community court that will work with perpetrators of less serious crimes who may have underlying social problems or needs that have not been met.  These are individuals who are facing many difficulties including drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness and homelessness.

Individuals or organizations wishing to become involved in this initiative should attend the Community Court Summit to be held Thursday, June 25th at City Hall at 4:30 pm.  I will be there to support these efforts.

The federal government remains committed to tackling crime. Together with local efforts like that of Kelowna Court Watch and its partners, we will no doubt succeed in fighting crime effectively while helping the most vulnerable, including victims. 

It is the right approach to ensuring safer and stronger communities.

P.S.  I’ll be back home for the summer beginning the week of June 22.  If you wish to meet to discuss any federal issues please feel free to contact my office.  Also, I will be hosting Senator Mike Duffy at the Grand Hotel on Saturday, June 27th from 1 to 4 pm.  All are welcome.  Please contact the local Conservative Party office for tickets at 250 862-2777.  Tickets are $50.00 per adult and $35.00 for youth.