June 16, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Department of Justice.
In support of the Government of Canada's commitment to protect Canadians, Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada today announced the introduction of the Dangerous and Impaired Driving Act, comprehensive legislation to reform all transportation related offences in the Criminal Code, including those that relate to impaired driving.
The reforms would crack down on those who drive while impaired and would modernize the Criminal Code provisions related to transportation offences. The proposed changes reflect the Government's commitment in the 2013 Speech from the Throne to ensure that Canada is a country where those who break the law are punished for their actions and where prison time matches the severity of crimes committed.
"Our Government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe for Canadians and their families. I have heard countless times from many Canadians, about the trail of heartbreak and devastation that impaired drivers leave on victims, their families and loved ones. This senseless behaviour has to stop. With today's introduction, this Government is taking an important step to protect Canadians from impaired driving and other transportation offences. We are sending a strong signal to those who choose to drive impaired, that this behaviour is not only unacceptable but is also creating a serious risk to public safety and putting everyone on the road at risk. Those who break the law must face the consequences of their actions and not at the expense of the innocent lives of law-abiding Canadians."
Peter MacKay
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
"The proposed legislation announced today by the Government of Canada, is a step in the right direction to usher a new era of responsibility on our roads. We trust it will make those who think they can drive while impaired to think twice, and decide not to take the risks they may have in the past, and instead, to plan ahead for a safe ride home. We trust this new proposed legislation will be implemented to improve the public's safety, so all Canadians will have faith again in the Justice system, and our roadways will be safer for all who travel them."
Markita Kaulius
Families for Justice
"As police services continuously face the issue of dangerous and impaired driving and the resulting victimization of innocent lives, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police welcome this Act. It will assist in closing the door to some of the most serious offenders and those who attempt to use loopholes in existing laws rather than accept responsibility for their actions. It modernizes and simplifies impaired driving laws and addresses a number of common occurrences police services must deal with: repeat offenders, failure to stop, refusing to comply with a valid demand to name a few. Ultimately it will assist our officers in our goal of having the safest roads in the world."
Chief Clive Weighill, President
Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police
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