News Release / Communiqué

Date: June 8^th, 1999

For release: Immediate

STECKLE APPLAUDS NEW LEGISLATION

DESIGNED TO COMBAT DRUNK DRIVING

OTTAWA – Paul Steckle, the Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, today applauded the Minister of Justice in response to the tabling of legislation designed to attack the serious social crime of impaired driving.

Bill C-82, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (impaired driving and related matters), was introduced for first reading yesterday in the Commons by the Minister of Justice. The draft legislation, which resulted from the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Resources, is intended to underscore that driving under the influence of alcohol is unacceptable.

Included among the proposals are measures aimed at combating the destructive effects of impaired driving. If passed, the legislation would, among other things, provide provisions for probationary ignition interlocks, raise the mandatory minimum fine, increase the maximum driving prohibition from three years to life, impose a maximum prison term of life for individuals convicted of impaired driving causing death and, it would specify that a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit must be considered to be an aggravating factor. Steckle, commented by saying, “There is no community in Canada that has not been touched by the horribly devastating effects of drunk driving. It damages our society and it destroys families. I am very pleased to see that this Bill is coming before the House and I eagerly look forward to participating in the forthcoming debate.”

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For further information:

Greg McClinchey Legislative Assistant to Paul Steckle, M.P., Huron-Bruce

(613) 992-8234 or steckp0@parl.gc.ca