Mr. Speaker, on February 7 this House demonstrated its wisdom and compassion when it unanimously adopted Motion No. 78.
This motion calls on the government to strengthen the impaired driving sections of the Criminal Code in order to more appropriately punish drunk drivers and to deter others who may consider getting behind the wheel while impaired.
I brought this motion forward after a tragic driving accident that claimed the lives of three family members in my community. Impaired driving is the number one criminal cause of death and injury in Canada.
My research and involvement with anti-drunk driving groups has opened my eyes to the impaired driving epidemic in this country. On average four people per day are killed by drunk drivers and over three hundred are injured. This must stop. It is time the government stopped treating impaired driving as simply another social ill.
I urge this House and the government to respect the wishes of this House and act quickly on the principles of Motion No. 78 so we can make our roadways and neighbourhoods safe again.