Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo has tabled a private member’s bill – Bill C-313 – that aims to create a stricter bail regime for serious repeat gun offenders.
Caputo says under his proposal it would be more difficult for people who are prohibited from possessing firearms to get bail if they are charged with serious firearms offences, noting the burden will be on them to justify why they should continue to be able to walk the streets.
“Police officers, chiefs of police, victims, and Canadians have all been calling for bail reform. The premiers of all of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories have called on the Prime Minister to make changes to his failed bail system. But all this Liberal government has to offer is another meeting and no real action,” Caputo said, in a news release.
“Canadians can’t depend on the Trudeau Liberals to protect them, so Conservatives are taking action to keep our streets safe. Bill C-313 is in keeping with their call for reverse onus on violent repeat gun offenders.”
Caputo’s bill was introduced and given first reading Thursday, but its not clear when or if it will debated soon. It comes two days after a heated exchange with Justice Minister David Lametti during Question Period on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Question Period today: I twice asked the Minister when the Liberals, after 8 years, will reform bail.
The answer: Liberals seem intent on defending an indefensible system. #Kamloops #Thompson #Cariboo #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/5uIcadT1PP
— Frank Caputo MP (@FrankCaputoKTC) February 7, 2023
“As a Crown Prosecutor in British Columbia, I experienced firsthand how Liberal soft-on-crime laws cause harm in our communities,” Caputo added in his news release. “Sadly, under the Trudeau Liberals, the system continues to get worse, and Canadians don’t feel safe walking down the street or taking transit to work.”
“Bill C-313 will ensure repeat violent gun offenders can no longer benefit from the Liberal government’s catch and release bail system and ensure they remain behind bars where they cannot pose a threat to society.”
This is the fourth private member’s bill tabled by Caputo since his election as Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP in Sept. 2021.
Editors note: Frank Caputo is set to join the NL Morning News with Jeff Andreas at 6:40 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, to discuss his latest private member’s bill.
Today I tabled Bill C-313 to reverse Trudeau’s failed Liberal bail policy on repeat violent gun offenders.
Join me on my Facebook page to see the press conference I held with the leader: @PierrePoilievre, and some of my colleagues @RobMoore_CPC @RaquelDancho @LarryBrockMP pic.twitter.com/IJHswxjRnu
— Frank Caputo MP (@FrankCaputoKTC) February 9, 2023
