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Peter Van Loan to
Serve as Minister of Public Safety
For Immediate Release
November 3, 2008
(Ottawa) - On October 30, Peter Van Loan, MP for
York-Simcoe, was sworn in as the Minister of
Public Safety.
The Department of Public Safety Canada
was created as a super-ministry in the wake
of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It brought
together previously separate functions
ranging from law enforcement, borders and
national security, to emergency management,
prisons and parole. It seeks to ensure the
security and the safety of Canadians
"Ensuring the safety and security of
Canadians is a fundamental goal of this
government, and I am honoured to be asked to
serve in this capacity by Prime Minister
Stephen Harper," said Van Loan.
Public Safety is the second-largest
department in the Government.
"Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the
Conservatives have worked hard to ensure the
safety and security of our neighbourhoods
and communities," said Van Loan. "We have
delivered on mandatory prison sentences for
gun crimes, toughed provisions for dangerous
offenders and raised the age of consent to
protect youth from adult sexual predators.
Our platform outlined further actions this
government will take to protect Canadian
families."
Some of those commitments, on which Van
Loan will work together with the Minister of
Justice include:
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Increase funding for the Youth Gang
Prevention Fund, to help community groups
that work with troubled youth;
-
Replace the Young Offenders Law with new,
balanced legislation that focuses on
deterrence and responsibility;
-
Replace automatic release with earned
parole;
-
Repeal the "faint-hope clause" which allows
serious criminals to seek early release;
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Ensure serious crimes are not eligible for
house arrest;
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Introduce new laws to target biker gangs and
organized criminal groups;
-
Introduce legislation to allow victims of
terrorism to sue the sponsors of terrorist
organizations; and,
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Abolish conditional sentences and
introduce mandatory sentences for
impaired driving causing bodily harm or
death.
"The Conservatives have taken decisive
steps to crack down on crime and ensure the
safety and security of our communities,"
said Van Loan. "Our platform has outlined
specific action this Government will take to
further protect Canadian families and I look
forward to working towards those goals."
Minister Van Loan was first elected to
Parliament in 2004. Before his promotion to
Minster of Public Safety, Minister Van Loan
served as Government House Leader and
Minister for Democratic Reform.
-30-
For more information please contact Darlene
Stone (613) 867-9001.
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