Oxford MP’s Jail Not Bail Act voted down in second reading

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Oxford MP Arpan Khanna’s Jail Not Bail Act was amongst four justice-related Private Member’s Bills voted down last week.

The bill, which was co-sponsored by Brant MP and Shadow Minister for Justice and the Attorney General Larry Brock, aimed to put an end to repeat offenders who are released on bail and commit another crime. Khanna garnered victims’ testimony from across the country to back his position.

“That would have been a full crack down, full stop,” he said. “It would have taken those repeat offenders off the street.”

The bill was defeated 193-136, with the Liberals, NDP, and Green voting against it.

“Law enforcement came out and said it was a sad day,” Khanna said, adding victim advocacy groups were also disappointed.

He has had widespread nationwide support for the legislation.

“The calls and emails I have been getting are insane, saying we need some rule of law back in our country,” he said.

With the Jail Not Bail Act, three other Conservative bills intended to help victims and justice, were also defeated. These bills would have ended discount sentencing for sexual predators, ended lighter sentences for rapists and child predators who were non-residents, and ended the practice of parole board hearings making victims relive the horror of their traumatic ordeals.

“They didn’t want to work with us on these and collaborate on these,” Khanna said with disappointment, explaining all four were defeated in 40 minutes.

While the Liberals brought some changes through Bill C-14, which the Conservatives supported, Khanna doesn’t believe it went far enough.

“C-14 a step in the right direction, but won’t get us to the end destination,” he said. “If Liberals bring good policy forward that will protect Canadians, we will support it. We did that with C-14. We expect the same and them not to vote down a bill.”

Khanna said the Conservatives will keep on fighting and will continue to be a voice for victims and law-abiding gun owners. He hinted that other caucus members have more justice bills in the works.