moved for leave to introduce Bill C-328, an act to amend the Criminal Code (theft over $100,000).
Mr. Speaker, the title of the bill is an act to amend the Criminal Code for theft over $100,000.
The purpose of the bill is to do two things. First, to allow a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment for theft over $100,000. Second, to allow the same 14 year maximum penalty for people who would bring property obtained through crime into the country.
This is long overdue. This change would encourage police officers to carry through on investigations involving white collar crime, such as embezzlement, when there are large amounts of money involved. In the United States, there is grand theft in place, which is a special charge allowing a higher penalty than other theft charges.
It is long overdue in Canada and I look forward to debating the bill in the House.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)