Citizens 'supportive' of criminal justice system reforms

Federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Rob Nicholson met with local politicians and police officers at the Radisson Hotel in Sudbury Jan. 19.

He said he spoke to those involved in the roundtable discussion about some of the 14 bills he hopes to have passed in the House of Commons when Parliament resumes at the end of this month.

One of the bills would repeal the “faint hope” clause for convicted murderers, which allows them to apply for early parole after 15 years, Nicholson, who visited Sudbury as part of a two-day tour of northern Ontario, said.

Families are “victimized” all over again at the end of 15 years because they worry about offenders being let out of jail, he said. There's also a bill which looks at the penalties for people who get involved with drugs, Nicholson said.

He said he assured those involved in the discussion that the federal government plans to move forward with an appeal of a court ruling last year which struck down three laws related to prostitution.

Nicholson said he's held these type of roundtable discussions across the country from time to time over the more than four years he's been the justice minister.

“I think people understand the criminal justice system has to be reformed, and everywhere I go, people are supportive of what we're trying to do,” he said.

Greater Sudbury Police Deputy Chief Allan Lekun said the discussion with Nicholson was a “great opportunity” to provide him with feedback on policing issues in the city.

He said he spoke to him about intervention strategies for youth at risk, prostitution and the influence of drugs on the community.

The minister's “tough on crime” message is “very welcome,” Lekun said.“We do believe that tougher sentences are required to deter individuals.”

At the same time, Lekun said he and his colleagues told Nicholson crime prevention is also an integral part of community safety.