moved for leave to introduce Bill C-250, an act to amend the Criminal Code (bail in cases of assault with weapon or a criminal harassment).
Mr. Speaker, this private member's bill is an act to amend the Criminal Code to prevent a person accused of sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, sexual assault or criminal harassment who has been identified by the victim or by a witness to the offence from being released until the charge is withdrawn or the accused is acquitted at a trial.
Section 522, which currently allows a judge of a court of a superior or criminal jurisdiction the discretion to allow bail in these very serious offences, would be repealed.
This would be one major way of providing a great deal of safety to a number of Canadians who are injured annually by people who commit violent crimes while released on bail.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)