For Immediate Release
April 28, 2008

Bill to Crackdown on Unlawful Guns in Cars Passes Hurdle

Bill 56 - Unlawful Firearms in Vehicles Act, 2008 which was introduced by MPP Mike Colle on April 9th, had it’s second reading today, at 11:00 am in the Ontario Legislature. The bill passed second reading with the support of members from all 3 parties. The bill now goes on to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy for further debate.

Bill 56, if passed, would give police officers the authority to impound a vehicle and suspend the licence of a driver who unlawfully possesses an illegal firearm – “crime gun” – in their vehicle. In addition to this, drivers with unlawful firearms in their vehicles would see a possible $10,000 fine and jail time.

MPP Mike Colle says, “ I’d like to thank all the MPP’s who made a strong statement today in helping our police crack down on gun crime and in support of the innocent victims of these drive-by shootings.”

This bill has also received support in principle from Toronto Police Service Board, Toronto Police Association and Police Chief William Blair.

The bill is also supported by Louise Russo, a victim of a drive-by shooting, and by other victims of gun crimes, like the family of Abdikarim Ahmed Abdikarim, to whom this bill is dedicated to.

PS- A similar bill is about to be introduced in the province of Alberta, by Calgary MLA Kent Hehr, who himself was a victim of a drive-by shooting.

For further information on this bill please contact our office.

Contact:

Vittoria Maggisano
Executive Assistant to Mike Colle, M.P.P.
Chief Government Whip
Queen's Park, Room 251
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4
Tel: 416-325-4091 / Mobile: 416-671-6172
Fax: 416-325-4136