moved for leave to introduce Bill C-453, an act to amend the Criminal Code (attempting to disarm a peace officer).
Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure to table, in both official languages, a bill which, as stated, would amend the Criminal Code of Canada with respect to attempts to disarm a police officer.
This bill would make it an indictable offence for any individual to attempt or to successfully disarm a police officer or a peace officer or to interfere with their protective equipment. This offence would carry a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The offence would also be included within a list of offences over which a provincial court judge would have absolute jurisdiction.
There is a similar bill before the House, but I would respectfully submit that this would be a very worthwhile amendment to the criminal code. It has received broad support from those within the policing community and those in the Canadian Police Association.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)