EDMONTON - New Democrat Leader Jack Layton said today that “it’s time for tough action on crime, on gangs, and on guns”.

“New Democrats are committed to stopping the spread of gangs, and to stopping the epidemic of gun violence threatening your families,” said Layton. “As Prime Minister, I will fight back on behalf of families.”

Layton announced a series of measures that include:

• Putting at least 2,500 new police officers on the streets.
• Ensuring first-degree murder charges apply to gang-related homicides.
• Making drive-by shootings and firing at buildings indictable offences.
• Re-classifying auto-theft as a more serious offence.
• Enabling cities, communities, and provinces to choose to implement an ‘absolute ban’ on handguns.
• Targeting the sale of illegal weapons via the Internet.
• Dedicating police units to combat gangs and organized crime networks.
• Strengthening witness protection programs.
• Investing in prevention strategies that will tackle the root causes of crime.

Layton added: “I’ll make sure we invest in the longer-term measures needed to keep our kids out of gangs.”

“People in every community across Canada have the right to be safe in their homes and on their streets. When it comes to community safety, New Democrats are there for working families.”