Langley MP Mark Warawa Commends Strengthening of Sex Offender Registry and National DNA Databank

March 18, 2010

“I am pleased with the legislation announced by our Conservative Government which will fortify the National Sex Offender Registry and the National DNA Data Bank, “ says Langley MP Mark Warawa shortly after the amendments were announced. “We are very pleased to be able to bring forward these amendments at this time.”

“Police services and victims’ groups have been clear: the National Sex Offender Registry must be strengthened to better protect our children and communities from sexual predators” Warawa says. “Our government agrees.”

Currently, a convicted sex offender is registered only when the Crown requests it, and only when a judge agrees.  Our bill would make registration automatic on conviction. The legislation would also require all convicted sex offenders to provide a DNA sample for the National DNA Data Bank.

The current rules allow police to use the Registry only to solve crimes after they happen.  “We will allow police to use the Registry pro-actively to prevent crime,” says the Langley MP.

“Langley is not immune to sex offenders; they do live in our community. It is important that the people of Langley, and those in communities across the country feel confident that our women and children are protected – and that police have every access to tools that could help prevent people from being victims. ”

Right now there is no way to include those guilty of sexual offences outside of Canada, including child sexual exploitation, in the Registry.  “We will ensure international sex offenders can be included.”

Along with important measures from previously introduced legislation, if passed, the bill would also ensure that information on offenders’ vehicles (including license plates) will be included in the Registry.