OTTAWA – Bev Shipley, M.P. Lambton Kent Middlesex today welcomed the passage of Bill C-35, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (reverse onus in bail hearings for firearm-related offences), in the House of Commons. The Bill will now move to the Senate.

“Far too often we have heard horror stories about people who have committed serious crimes while out on bail for a gun offence. This legislation is part of our anti crime initiative and fulfills another of our campaign commitments.”

Bill C-35 puts the onus on those who commit serious firearms crimes to prove why they should be granted bail. Under this Bill, a “reverse onus” would apply in cases involving:

• Any one of eight serious offences committed with a firearm such as: attempted murder, robbery, discharging a firearm with intent, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, kidnapping, hostage-taking, or extortion;

• Any indictable offence involving firearms or other regulated weapons if committed while under a weapons prohibition order; and,

• Firearm trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking or firearm smuggling.

Currently, a person charged with a serious firearms offence can be granted bail and allowed to roam the streets. Under Bill C-35, those charged with serious gun crimes will have to demonstrate to the court why they should not stay in custody until their trial.

These reforms will lower the risk that people charged with serious firearm offences may re-offend while out on bail. It will also reduce the risk that they may take flight to avoid facing trial for their original charges.

“Canada’s New Government is committed to making our communities safe and we will continue to do everything we can punish criminals and protect victims of violent crimes.”

Since taking office, Canada’s New Government has taken action to make our streets and communities safer by tabling legislation to restrict conditional sentences; increase mandatory penalties for gun-related crimes, better fight alcohol- and drug-impaired driving; ban house arrest for repeated offences; create tougher laws against street racing, and raise the age of consent from 14 to 16 years to protect youth from adult sexual predators.

For an online version of the legislation, visit www.parl.gc.ca .