05.01.2012 – MP Parm Gill Debates Bill C-394 in the House of Commons

May 2, 2012

OTTAWA – Today in the House of Commons, Parm Gill, Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, debated Bill C-394, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and National Defence Act (Criminal Organization Recruitment). This Bill seeks to address criminal organization’s recruitment activities, while placing the safety of our youth, families and communities at the forefront of our justice system.

Canadians from across this country have raised concerns about the devastating consequences of increased gang recruitment. By entering debate in the House of Commons, MP Parm Gill has taken actionable steps to respond to this growing concern.

“Gangs in Canada are becoming more aggressive with their recruitment strategies,” said Parm Gill. “This is something that destroys lives and places our community’s safety and security in jeopardy.”

Bill C-394 proposes focused, responsible, and most importantly, necessary measures that address gang activity head-on. This Bill proposes to make it an offence to recruit, solicit, encourage or invite a person to join a criminal organization. It also establishes a penalty for that offence, while a more severe penalty is proposed for those who recruit persons under the age of 18 years old.

“Criminal organizations today are targeting youth under the age of 12 and as young as 8 years-old to participate in criminal activity,” said Parm Gill. “There is a dire need to protect our communities from those who prey on innocent and vulnerable individuals.”

Bill C-394 is not about partisanship or political games. It is about preserving the safety, security and freedom we as Canadians hold dear. This proposed legislation will create safer neighbourhoods for families and citizens of all ages for the short and long term. This will be achieved by providing law enforcers and justice officials with the proper tools to disrupt criminal organizations and curb growth through recruitment.

“There are far too many families and youth who live in fear of gangs,” said Parm Gill. “By getting tough on gang recruitment Bill C-394 will help keep our streets safer, our children out of harm’s way, and provide law enforcement officials with the tools they need to take these criminals off our streets for good.”

Take part in the discussion: