On September 20, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched his tough-on-crime agenda. But what does this entail for Canada's Criminal Code and for citizens? Harper's Omnibus Crime Bill consists of at least eleven previously delayed bills. It is aimed at strengthening Canada's Criminal Code through legislation such as the Citizen’s Arrest and Self-Defence Act. This Act seeks to simplify the complex CC provisions on self-defence and defence of property. However, the most polarizing changes are yet to be seen with amendments suggesting mandatory minimum sentences, an end to conditional arrests, elimination of pardons for more serious crimes, a focus on targeting organized drug crime, stiffer sentences for violent and repeat offenders, the possibility of prolonged prison sentences based on inmate behaviour, more power for police to conduct Internet surveillance, harsher sentencing in cases of elder abuse, reduction of pre-sentence jail-credits, and tougher sentencing for young offenders. This amounts to an unprecedented increase of more than 4,000 inmates within the federal penal system. Canadians can also expect to see additional spending of more than $1 billion per year on the Canadian correctional facilities system alone.
It may seem that Harper's Omnibus Bill will lead to the empowerment of citizens and the creation of a safer environment in which to live. However, the Bill is padded with feel-good measures intended to distract voters. The frenzied nature of Harper's campaign promises led to the Citizen's Arrest and Self-Defence Act – it's inception a result of public outcry. In taking a closer look, the Act will most surely will blur the line between self-defence and vigilantism. Sadly, the Bill seems to move Canada closer to a police-state. Harper's legislation eliminates the possibility of many conditional sentences, such as serving under house-arrest. Police will be given more discretionary power over citizens, as evidenced by Internet-surveillance powers. Longer sentences for lesser crimes and increased spending for correctional facilities inevitably leads to more detainees in prison-camps.
Written for Social Studies 11
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"What's in the Tory crime bill and what's not - Politics - CBC News." CBC.ca - Canadian News Sports Entertainment Kids Docs Radio TV. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/09/21/pol-crime-bill-in-out.html>.
"What’s Wrong With Harper’s Omnibus Crime Bill." Behind the Numbers — . N.p., 20 Sept. 2011. Web. 12 Jan. 2012.
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