Thank you again, Chair.
I would like to move amendment CPC-25.3, which is that Bill C-16, in clause 63, be amended by replacing line 9 on page 71 with the following:
ment for life or to an offence under section 346.
It seeks to expand the safety wall to include mandatory minimum charges under section 346 of the Criminal Code. This section deals with extortion, and it carries a mandatory minimum of five years for first offences, and seven years for reoffenders, for extortionists who use firearms.
Communities like Brampton and Surrey have been dealing with massive increases in extortion over the last five years. Business owners and families are living in fear. People are fearing for their lives. Extortionists are so unafraid of getting caught that they are filming themselves firing guns at homes in Brampton. We will never stop these extortionists with weak penalties. That will put them right back out on the streets and back to threatening families. We need strong and long sentences to keep these violent criminals behind bars, where they belong.
I would like to say that I spoke about extortion and crime happening in our neighbourhoods and on our streets many times. This is something I am receiving every week. Brampton residents and residents in my riding are calling me and expressing their concerns regarding extortion. They keep getting demands for money from these extortionists.
I always say that crime is a non-partisan issue. We are all here to make our communities safer and stronger. We, as parliamentarians, are here to make our laws robust so that these criminals cannot benefit from crime. In my opinion, putting repeat violent offenders behind bars will help victims, create confidence among Canadians and restore justice for victims.
Thank you.