There has been no substantial change in circumstances since then. I would prefer to focus time and energy on measures that are more likely to be effective in reducing crime and increasing public safety. The Liberal government has introduced amendments to strengthen the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Code and the Young Offenders Act . We have tightened parole, added new powers to keep dangerous offenders off the street, allowed for the use of DNA evidence, and removed the drunkenness defence for serious violent crimes. As part of a comprehensive approach, we have established a National Crime Prevention Council to help communities prevent crime.
Public safety is a top priority of the Liberal government.
We believe this can be achieved through a balanced approach, taking violent crime seriously, but also emphasizing prevention and rehabilitation. I am convinced that we Canadians must use our energies to build a strong economy and strong communities to make our streets safe, rather than engage in yet another debate about capital punishment. Government's cannot be expected to always make decisions based on popular public opinion. Sometimes a government must have the intestinal fortitude to do what it believes is right and not just what is politically correct.