Fwd: Bill C-310 Receives Unanimous Support at 2nd Reading - Off to Justice Committee

News Release           

Bill C-310 Receives Unanimous Support at 2^nd Reading

Ottawa, ON:  Today, Bill C-310, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking), completed the allotted debate for 2^nd Reading and was unanimously referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.  Private Members’ Bills usually receive a vote at 2^nd Reading, however in the rare situation where there is unanimous support, the legislation is sent right to Committee Stage.

“The careful attention paid to this legislation and even more so to the issue of modern day slavery during the speeches is quite encouraging. There are few matters of justice that require our constant attention as much as slavery,” said MP Joy Smith. “The unanimous support that Bill C-310 has received today reveals that MPs are committed to strengthening the tools used by police officers and prosecutors and securing justice for victims of trafficking both here in Canada and abroad.”

In both the first and second hour of debates, Members of Parliament from all parties spoke strongly in favour of Bill C-310.

Debate - October 25, 2011 

MP Robert Gougen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice

I support the legislation and applaud my colleague for her unwavering commitment to this issue. I urge all members to support the rapid passage of the bill into law.

MP Jack Harris, NDP Justice Critic

“I fully support and endorse Bill C-310. I sought to be one of the co-seconders but I understand it was oversubscribed. That is a good indication that this is a measure that deserves the support and consent and implementation by the House and by the government.”

       

        Debate - December 12, 2011

MP Geoff Regan, Liberal

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Bill C-310, a bill which the Liberal Party supports….To make human trafficking offences abroad subject to prosecution in Canada is, as such, a step in the right direction and something all Canadians can support.”

Bill C-310 is expected to be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in February 2012 before returning to the House of Commons for 3^rd Reading.

Additional details on Bill C-310 can be found here: http://www.joysmith.ca/main.asp?fxoid=FXMenu,9&cat_ID=27&sub_ID=112

- 30 -

For more information please contact:

Joel Oosterman

Office of Joy Smith, MP

Tel: (613) 992-7148

Cell: (613) 220-6795

Email: joy.smith.a2@parl.gc.ca