Released on October 9, 2009
Premiers of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia today called upon the Senate of Canada to restore and quickly pass the House of Commons' legislation (Bill C-25) that would limit the credit for time served by offenders while awaiting trial.
Premiers are concerned that the amendments to Bill C-25 suggested by the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs would not improve public safety or enhance accountability of the sentencing process. The Standing Committee is considering amendments that would allow for a two-for-one credit for time served, rather than limiting credit to one-for-one in most circumstances, as proposed in C-25 and passed unanimously by the House of Commons.
"Our provinces all agree that eliminating the two-for-one credit would help our provinces fight organized crime and keep our communities safe," Premier Brad Wall said. "These changes would build more public confidence in the sentencing process and justice system."
"Albertans expect a system that represents their values and instills confidence," Premier Ed Stelmach said. "Double credit for time served doesn't work for Alberta. In fact, it undermines public confidence in the justice system."
"We believe strongly that criminals should not be able to manipulate the justice system to their advantage by getting extra credit for time in remand," Premier Gordon Campbell said. "The amendments proposed by this unelected Senate water down the strength of Bill C-25 and those changes are completely unacceptable to British Columbia. The Senate's amendments turn back the clock on justice reform that will make our communities safer."
The legislation passed by the House of Commons reflects calls by western Ministers of Justice to eliminate the two-for-one credit. Ministers had raised concerns that excessive credit for time served could distort the sentencing process, create inefficiencies in the justice system, and would not be transparent.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-787-0425
Dale Steeves
Office of the Premier
British Columbia
Phone: 250-387-6605
Tom Olsen
Executive Branch
Alberta
Phone: 780-718-3034