moved for leave to introduce Bill C-266, an act to amend the Criminal Code (alcohol sensing ignition controls for automobiles).
Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank my hon. colleague from Crowfoot for seconding the bill.
Alcohol is involved in more than 40% of all traffic fatalities. As Mothers Against Drunk Driving noted last week, on average 4.5 Canadians are killed each and every day in alcohol related crashes. Even when their licences are suspended many impaired drivers continue to drive, endangering more lives.
This private member's bill promotes the use of ignition interlocks in the sentencing of drunk drivers. If they cannot start their car because they have been drinking, they will not be on the road killing innocent people.
It has been demonstrated that the use of interlock reduces the rate of reoffending by up to 70%. That will save a lot of Canadian lives.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)