Age of sexual consent rises today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01 MAY 2008

OTTAWA – Battlefords-Lloydminster MP, Hon. Gerry Ritz says vulnerable children are better protected today thanks to the government getting tough on crime. As part of the Tackling Violent Crime Act, a rise in the age of consent came into force today.

“Our government has worked hard to make these legislative changes including raising the age of protection for sexual activity from 14 years to 16 years, a move supported by many of my constituents who wrote, emailed and sent petitions asking for this change,” says Ritz.

Today, three sections of the crime act became law, including raising the age of consent, tougher mandatory jail time for serious gun crime and; new bail provisions which require those accused of serious gun crimes to show why they shouldn’t be kept in jail while awaiting trial.

“I’m proud, that despite facing barriers, delays and opposition along the way, our government acted to ensure these measures are now part of Canada’s Criminal Code,” says Ritz.

“These changes are long overdue and the days of soft, lenient penalties are over,” he adds.

Two remaining sections of the Tackling Violent Crime Act – stronger penalties for impaired driving and more effective sentencing and monitoring of dangerous offenders will come into force on July 2, 2008.

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For more information call Todd MacKay 613-759-1059