Did you know...? - Edition 79

February 18, 2011

Did You Know That… Recently, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Citizens’ Arrest and Self-Defence Act. This legislation will clarify the ability to make a citizen’s arrest, and streamline and simplify the self–defence and defence of property provisions in the Criminal Code. Your Government is committed to putting real criminals behind bars. Canadians who have been the victim of a crime should not be re-victimized by the criminal justice system. The case of Mr. David Chen raised concerns right across this country, and the Prime Minister quickly took action, indicating in the House of Commons this past November that Justice officials had been instructed to look into this area of the law to determine what reforms may be needed. The legislation introduced will address concerns about an individual’s right to make a citizen’s arrest. Your Government is also taking the opportunity to clarify the rights of citizens to protect themselves and their property, while continuing to recognize that peace officers are the first line of defence against crime. The amendments to the citizens’ arrest provisions would expand the law so that a person may arrest, within a reasonable amount of time, anyone found committing a property-related offence where it is not feasible for a police officer to make the arrest. Defence of property and self-defence provisions will be simplified so that police and prosecutors can more easily determine whether actions taken by persons to protect themselves, or others, or their property against crime are reasonable, and therefore justified. For more information: http://pm.gc.ca/safercommunities

Did You Know That… Recently, the Governor General of Canada announced that His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have accepted the invitation to undertake a Royal Tour of Canada. Canada is delighted that Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton will be travelling to Canada as they embark on their first overseas tour as a married couple. Their tour will take place from June 30 to July 8, 2011 and will include Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and the National Capital Region. Their decision to come to Canada first is a testament to our country’s very close relationship with the Royal Family. Canada looks forward to welcoming the young couple this summer and providing them with all that our country has to offer. We sincerely hope that their tour will be the start of a lasting relationship with Canada by the Royal Couple. Your Government congratulates Prince William and Miss Middleton on their upcoming wedding and look forward to many more tours in the future. For more information: http://pm.gc.ca/royaltour

Did You Know That… Recently, Minister Vic Toews highlighted new RCMP-developed technology which will improve the speed and accuracy of police checks for those Canadians who wish to work or volunteer with seniors, children, or other vulnerable individuals. Your Government is working to help keep families and communities safer.  Across the country, tens of thousands of law-abiding Canadians selflessly give their time to coach hockey, volunteer in after-school programs, help seniors, or work for other organizations dedicated to assisting vulnerable individuals. Part of performing due diligence is ensuring that all those put in a position of responsibility or trust undergo a thorough police screening so those vulnerable individuals are safe and secure. While this due diligence is essential, it can also take several weeks to process, which can be frustrating. Recently, the RCMP highlighted new fingerprint-scanning technology that is now available to police forces across the country and which can perform effective and accurate vulnerable sector checks in a matter of minutes. Currently, more than 20 police agencies are already using this technology for various purposes.  The system is currently in use by the Halton Police Service for vulnerable sector checks with more to follow in the near future. Your Government is proud to be helping more of the best-intentioned volunteers and workers to give generously of their time, while also working to ensure that those with the wrong motives and dangerous backgrounds are kept away from our children and other vulnerable Canadians. For more information: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2011/nr20110215-eng.aspx