April 23, 2009
MP hopeful for end to '2 for 1' sentences
Langley MP Mark Warawa is hoping there will be an end to “2 for 1” credit for time served in custody prior to sentencing.
“As it stands, time offenders spend in custody while they wait for trial is credited as double time towards their sentence,” says Warawa. “So if an offender spends six months in jail waiting for their trial, and is sentenced to one year in prison — he actually is entitled to walk out the courtroom door that day.”
He believes the law will send a message to criminals.
“We all know that Langley is not immune to violent crime,” says Warawa.
“Some sentences may sound tough, but are undermined by introducing conditional sentences, intermittent sentences, suspended sentences, merged sentences, concurrent sentences or parole after as little as one-sixth of the sentence served. When you add to that the 2 for 1 rule, you have some offenders whose parole eligibility date is actually before the date of sentencing. That is absolutely ridiculous,” he added.
In March, B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal and Solicitor General John van Dongen flew to Ottawa to lobby for capping 2 for 1 sentencing, based on the fact that too many criminals were taking advantage of it in B.C. court rooms.
That same day, Prime Minister Stephen Harper flew to Vancouver to announce tougher laws related to crimes committed by members of organized crime groups. It was an attempt to quell the out-of-control gang violence.
At the time, Warawa thought Oppal’s request would only bog down the initial crime bills Harper had announced.
The proposed bill now being brought in by the Conservative government will also ensure people who are denied bail because of a past criminal record or for violating bail won’t receive extra credit for time served before trial.
“These practices, developed under the Liberals, have been shown to be far too lenient,” says Warawa. “We now call on all parties to provide unanimous consent to ensure fast passage of this important legislation.”
All of the crime bills put forward by the Conservatives need to have approval in the House, and get through the Senate before making it to Canadian court rooms. This process will be at least a year.
