The solution to this problem will not be simple and it will not be immediate. I believe that with the right leadership locally and nationally can tackle this issue. Locally, we need to create partnerships between all levels of government to increase services and opportunities for young people. Many young people end up involved with gangs and committing crime due to a lack of economic opportunities and a lack of positive role models. With a lot of hard work and real leadership we could get all three levels of government in Brampton to work together create targeted youth centres in Brampton with programs that would offer educational and vocational assistance and mentoring programs. While this is not a complete solution, it would be a great start.

While I fully support early intervention to prevent crime, we must also make sure that our justice system protects the victims of crime. I firmly believe that soft sentences that have been handed out for years to young offenders does nothing to teach a young offender about the seriousness of their actions and causes victims and their families to lose faith in our justice system.

For four years, the Conservative government has been working around the clock to introduce legislation that will protect victims and punish the perpetrators of crime. We have made some progress on this due to the hard work of Conservative Members of Parliament. Our legislative agenda is constantly being attacked and watered down by the Liberals and other opposition parties. Members of all parties must come together to support reforms to the criminal justice system that will deter crime, protect victims of crime and restore faith in our justice system.

For more information on our criminal reforms please click the following links:
http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp