Toews takes swipe at judiciary on gun crime after shooting melee in Toronto

CP19442996
Civilians speak to the police on Tuesday July 17, 2012 near the scene of a shooting on Danzig Street where 21 people were injured and 2 confirmed dead at an outdoor barbecue that took place on Monday July 16, 2012 . THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim

OTTAWA – A deadly shooting in Toronto has Public Safety Minister Vic Toews chiding Canada’s courts for striking down mandatory sentences for gun-related crime.

This month, an Ontario Court judge struck down the automatic three-year sentence for firearms trafficking, saying it was disproportionate.

Justice Paul Bellefontaine said a crack dealer who offered to sell an undercover police officer a non-existent gun should not have to face the mandatory minimum sentence.

Vic Toews tells Golden West Radio he’s very concerned about the courts nixing minimum sentences, especially given the problem of guns smuggled in from the United States.

A shooting at a Toronto neighbourhood party Monday night left two people dead and sent 22 others to hospital.

Police are calling it the worst incident of gun violence in the city’s recent history.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

Abbey Westbury

Related Articles