SASKATCHEWAN ATTORNEY GENERAL PRESSES FOR PASSAGE OF CRIME BILL

Saskatchewan Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan wrote an open letter to the Federal Government to press for Bill C-15 to be passed by the Senate with no amendments.

Bill C-15 addresses penalties for organized crime and gang activities. Specifically, the Bill outlines mandatory minimum penalties for offences related to trafficking in serious drugs when that trafficking is linked to organized crime.

"The Bill has passed through the House of Commons, but the Senate is making amendments which substantially soften the penalties to be applied to those who prey upon youth and other members of society, and whose actions support organized crime," Morgan said. "I wish to strongly encourage the Senate to pass the Bill as is, including the stronger penalties for these crimes."

In a September 29, 2009 joint letter, the Western Attorneys General and Solicitors General expressed support for immediate passage of the legislation.

"We need to take aggressive steps to deal with drug trafficking and drug crimes," Morgan said.

A copy of the open letter can be found at www.justice.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Laur'Lei Silzer
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: laurlei.silzer@gov.sk.ca