Mr. Speaker, I rise to present to Parliament a petition signed by 210 of my constituents in Red Deer.
The petitioners express their concerns that Canada must embrace the philosophy of zero tolerance toward individuals who drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and that the impact statements of the victims of the crime of impaired driving must be given the highest priority prior to the sentencing of anyone convicted of impaired driving.
Therefore, the petitioners, with whom I agree, pray and request that Parliament proceed immediately with amendments to the Criminal Code to ensure that the sentence given to anyone convicted of driving while impaired or causing injury or death while impaired reflects both the severity of the crime and zero tolerance by Canada toward this crime.