Minister Seeks Justice Improvements In Ottawa

Justice Minister Michael Baker will lobby his federal and provincial counterparts for tougher laws to improve public safety during the annual justice ministers' meeting in Ottawa next week.

"I was pleased to meet with federal minister Irwin Cotler Thursday," said Mr. Baker. "He was open to hearing our concerns about the Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act. I look forward to continuing our discussions with my provincial and territorial colleagues."

Mr. Baker added that other provinces seem to be wrestling with the same challenges such as, vehicle theft and reckless driving, and how to deal with the small percentage of out of control youth, who can't be held in custody between the time they are charged and when they appear for trial.

"Stronger deterrence measures will send a signal to society that violent offences will be dealt with more harshly. That's why I'm proposing that motor vehicle theft no longer be considered a property offence," said Mr. Baker. "Police will tell you that stolen vehicles are 4,000-pound bullets, and that's exactly what they are. People who recklessly endanger the lives of others need to know they will be dealt with seriously and will be held accountable. The penalty must be appropriate to the crime."

Other items on the agenda include: legal aid; wrongful convictions; protection of vulnerable persons; syringes as weapons in robberies; impaired driving and use of conditional sentences.

This year's annual meeting of justice ministers will be held in Ottawa from Sunday, Jan. 23 to Tuesday, Jan. 25.