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Decentralized Democracy

Member of Parliament

Hon. Marco Mendicino

  • Member of Parliament
  • Liberal
  • Eglinton—Lawrence
  • Ontario
  • Voting Attendance: 64%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $83,797.98

  • Government Page
Context: House Hansard - 193 - May/9/23
Hon. Marco Mendicino
  • May/9/23 4:31:57 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-21 
Mr. Speaker, there are at least two serious mistakes in the premise of the Conservative member's question. The first is that we are not going after criminals. In Bill C-21, as I have just mentioned, we would raise maximum sentences from 10 to 14 years for illegal gun traffickers. That is an important and powerful signal to anyone who would try to terrorize our communities that they will run the risk of going to jail for a longer period of time. The Conservative member also referred to prevention. That is precisely what the government is doing with a $250-million building safer communities fund. I would point out that the Conservatives have opposed the building safer communities fund's allocations, which will save lives through prevention by providing mental health services and other supports for people who are at most risk. The Conservatives are also against Bill C-21, which would give law enforcement the additional tools to go after criminals who use firearms to commit crimes. That is why their position is so misguided. On this side of the House, we are doing the work. We are making sure that we pass responsible gun control legislation, but we are also taking action at the border and advancing strong prevention strategies.
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Context: House Hansard - 193 - May/9/23
Hon. Marco Mendicino
  • May/9/23 4:08:18 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-21 
Mr. Speaker, I have worked very closely with my friend and colleague, the member for Surrey—Newton, when it comes to keeping our communities safe. As he knows, we recently made an announcement in his riding that will provide additional grassroots support to the organizations providing mental health services, educational supports and career supports, especially to those young people who are at the greatest risk of being exposed to gun violence. I want to emphasize that this is a government that is squarely focused on three priorities when it comes to reducing gun violence: strong borders, strong laws and enforcement, and strong prevention. Together, with the support of a number of other opposition parties, it is my sincere hope that we will pass Bill C-21 so we can put in place strong gun control laws to save lives.
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