OK, I will admit it. I am a law and order type of guy. I don’t particularly enjoy having my car stolen, or my office vandalized, (both of which have happened at my MP office). I also don’t know anyone who shrugs off criminal acts committed against their property.

The reason I bring this subject up, is a piece of legislation listed as C-9, An Act to Amend Conditional Sentences. The purpose of this piece of legislation is to change the sentencing guidelines for various crimes such as: break and enter, arson, auto theft and drug production.

Now, if someone had stolen your car, set your house on fire, broken into your business and stolen money and property, or was manufacturing crystal meth in your community, what would you do? Would you:

A. Tell them they had to stay home for the weekend, play video games, wear a nice ankle bracelet, and go to bed early.

B. Demand that the knave, who committed these outrages cool his heels in a prison, till he learns to deal with his anti-social behavior.

C. For criminals who commit one or two offenses, you would choose option A., but maybe chose B as a punishment for repeat offenders.

Now think hard and make your choice. If you chose options A or C, you will be pleased with the NDP, Liberals, and the Bloc Quebecois. If you chose B, you will be pleased with the Conservative government’s commitment to get tough on crime.

Now I know I exaggerated slightly (less than you might think), the above explanation of Bill C-9. However, in the House of Commons a few nights ago, the three opposition parties voted to permit house arrest for arson, car theft, B & Es and drug production. They won the vote. As a result, criminals who commit these crimes could end up spending their sentences in the comfort of their own homes. I don’t think that’s right and neither does the Conservative government. These crimes are serious and deserve prison time.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament, and I welcome your feedback. Write or call my offices.