Alz - Ihe Terrace Standard, Wednesday, June 10, 1998 Bo oO oe PROPOSED CHANGES to the Young Offenders Act don’! go far cnough to deter crime, says Skeena Reform MP Mike Scott. And the — Jong-awaited overhaul of the act doesn’t appear to be any closer to becoming law, he adds. The proposed changes an- nounced by federal justice minister Anne McLellan will implement tougher criminal measures for young offenders, Scott says the plan is thin on specifics. “There are no details, nothing’s concrete,’ he says. “All we have is the minis- ler saying she’s going to table Icgislation, sometime in the fall.’’ After waiting a year for a tougher act, Scott says the minister has disappointed Canadians by merely. tinker- ing with slight changes. Since he was first elected What's on tap _ HERE'S WHAT the federal government is proposing to change in relation to young . offenders, ‘i Replace the Young Of fenders Act with legislation that will put public pro- ‘tection first - i Lower the age at which ‘an offender can be handed ‘an adult sentence to 14 from ‘16, ' Expand the offences for - Which a young offender can -be given an adult sentence ‘to include a pattern of ‘serious, violent offences. Currently, the offender can ‘be given an adult sentence ‘for murder, attempted mur- .der, manslaughter and ag- . gravated sexual assault. ,@ Allow publication of ‘names of offenders who ‘have been convicted of an vadult sentence, , Other proposals seek to re- vhabilitate offenders through ‘types of alternative justice: ‘Ml «Establish a special ‘sentencing option for the ‘most violent, high-risk :young offenders. These of- ‘fenders would be required to ‘participate in intensive reha- ‘bilitation and treatment pro- ‘grams. \ They might aiso have to be under controlled supervision ‘once released into the com- raumily. ‘” Set up a $32-million fund for crime prevention aimed ‘at children and youth, ‘m Encourage the develop- ‘ment: of community-based “sentences and allematives to the justice system for non- violent young offenders, . The programs should em- ‘phasize responsibility to the ‘victim and community, and ‘help the offender understand “the impact of their crime. More powers THE FOREST Service has expanded powers to deal ‘with off-road vehicles caus- “ing environmental damage, «says an official with the :Kalum forest district : These powers come under ‘the Forest Practices Code which now give the service But now the forest service ‘can issue specific prohibi- ations for various kinds of motorized vehicles, said Johansen, * Prohibitions on all-terrain ry ry t e 4 ‘ . . ® a 4 a . Oy . cr ‘ “place for sensitive sub- salpine areas where recovery strom damage could take adecades, * Johansen said the forest sservice prefers education ’ Gast to enforcement. ‘vehicles, for instance, are in | in 1993, Scoll says he’s had a significant number of let- ters from constituents un- happy with the system. “The act is not working for the benefit of viclims, it’s not working to keep the strects safe or for the benefit of young offenders,” he argues, The Reform Party has long pushed for an act that cartics stiffer sentences. Scott says any offender over Young crime law changes lack toughness, says MP. the age of 16 charged with a scrious crime should go directly to adult court. Am those over 16 con- victed of a crime should be subject to having their names published, while the media should be able to publish the names of 14- or 15-yeal-old offenders who have been convicted of violent crimes.or who are repeat offenders, he argues. “You don’t give those people who commit serious, violent crimes a slap on the wrist,’’ Scott says. “There has to be a price paid to society. There has to be very serious penalties.” While some critics argue taxpayers will be forced to pay for more jail terms, Scott maintains the system will save money ia the long run by deterring repeat of- fences as well as potential offenders. NOTICE All playing fields at the Terrace, Thornhill & Kitimat area schools will be fertilized monthly. This program will run from May through October 1988. Mike Scott Terrace Symphony Orchestra In Concert with guest solosit, soprano Pamela Kerr, singing selections from Carmen and featuring award- winner Courtney Preyser, trumpet. 8 pm, Friday, June 12 Pentecostal Assembly 3511 Eby St. Tickets at the door: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students Assorted varieties 4-Litre FIRST TWO SAVE up to $2.00 on two Ice Cream am | to 90¢ on two Nutty Royales Ice Cream Cones Lucerne. 6x i16 mL. FIRST TWO. SAVE up to $3.78 on two Lucerne Fudge Bars 12.x 60 mL. Or Lucerne Mini Pops 24x 60 mL FIRST TWO. SAVE up to $1.90 on two si ; ' B. Exclusive Member Price SAFEWAY | FOOD & DRUG Plus... ~ continue collecting AIR MILES? travel miles on your grocery purchase! . 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