moved for leave to introduce Bill C-489, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (mass transit operators).
Mr. Speaker, the bill aims to amend the Criminal Code so those convicted of assaulting the operators of buses, street cars, rail and light rail vehicles and ferries would receive the same penalties as currently applied for the assaults of pilots and peace officers.
Millions of Canadians depend on the skill and protection of transit drivers each day, yet as the law stands, these workers regularly endure threats and attack. Since 9/11, we have become especially aware of the targeting of mass transit vehicles and the vulnerability of their operators.
I trust that all parliamentarians will want to support this measure of deterrence.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)