OTTAWA, June 3, 2013 — Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, made the following comments on the third reading passage of Bill C-51, the Safer Witnesses Act.
"Our Government has taken strong action to crack down on crime and to keep our streets and communities safe. By introducing and passing the Safer Witnesses Act in the House of Commons,we are fulfilling our promise to Canadians by taking action to protect families while making our communities safe and more secure.
An effective and reliable witness protection program is valuable in the fight against crime, especially organized crime and terrorism. Through the Safer Witnesses Act, our Government is improving the federal Witness Protection Program by making it more effective for those it is designed to protect and safer for those administering it, while being responsive to law enforcement needs.
Bill C-51 will enhance the federal Witness Protection Program and provide better service to other witness protection programs. It will strengthen our track record and will go a long way to enhancing our collective efforts to combat organized crime."
Information:
Andrew McGrath
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2924
