M.P.P. Mike Colle, Eglinton-Lawrence, a former T.T.C. Chairman, introduced a Private Members’ Bill on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, entitled: Zero Tolerance to Violence on Public Transit Act, 2009, where it passed First Reading.   

This bill will impose a maximum fine of up to $50,000, along with the maximum jail time (of 2 years less one day) allowed under Provincial law, for anyone carrying a weapon or committing an act of violence toward any Public Transit employee or passenger, on a Public Transit vehicle or on Public Transit property.

“With the recent near fatal shoving incident at the Dufferin Subway Station, the armed robberies of the Lawrence West and Yorkdale Subway stations, and the shooting at Osgoode Subway station, it is clear that it is getting out of hand. The latest shooting on Oakwood Avenue of a T.T.C. bus passenger merely reinforces the fact that we must act,” said M.P.P. Mike Colle.

M.P.P. Colle also calls on the Federal Government to pass similar legislation through an amendment to the Criminal Code, and is writing leaders of all parties in Ottawa to undertake a similar federal law.