For Immediate Release
April 9, 2008

MPP Mike Colle Introduces Bill to Stop Unlawful Firearms In Vehicles

(Toronto) – On April 9th in the Ontario Legislature MPP, Mike Colle, (Eglinton-Lawrence) will introduce his private member’s bill entitled “Unlawful Firearms in Vehicles Act, 2008”.

This private member’s bill, if passed- would allow police to immediately suspend a person’s driver’s licence and have their vehicle impounded – if the police have reasonable and probable grounds that a person has an unlawful firearm within their vehicle.

In addition, to the suspension and impounding of a vehicle, there will be a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.  For a first offence, their driver’s licence will be suspended for one year, second offence; for five years, and for the third offence, lifetime suspension of their driver’s licence.

Given the ongoing number of gun-related crimes in our communities, and a growing pattern of unlawful firearms within vehicles, there is a danger not only to the police but also to the public at large.
 
If passed, this would be the first legislation of its kind in Canada, if not North America.

“People with unlawful firearms in their vehicles are on the road to murder” says MPP Mike Colle.

As an MPP Mike Colle has been successful in championing a number of private member’s bills have become law in the province of Ontario:

1. Oak Ridges Moraine Protection Act
2. Red Light Cameras at Dangerous Intersections
3. End of Mandatory Retirement at 65
4. Recognition and Regulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine
5. Portable Heart Defibrillators (or AED) in public places across the province

For more additional information on this bill or a backgrounder please contact:

Mike Colle MPP,
Eglinton-Lawrence
(416) 325-4091