I have always thought that the corrections and conditional release system should put public safety first. When it came to my attention that financial fraudster Earl Jones, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding $50 million from his clients, could be freed on parole in less than two years, I was outraged. I believe the rights of law-abiding Canadians and victims of crimes should come first, not the interests of criminals!
 
Our Government took swift action to resolve this problem by introducing the Ending Early Release for Criminals and Increasing Offender Accountability Act last week. Under the current system of Accelerated Parole Review, white-collar criminals and “non- violent” offenders, like Jones, are able to obtain day parole after serving one- sixth of their sentence and full time parole after serving one- third. This act will abolish the current system of Accelerated Parole, and create a system where parole is earned!
 
Further, this act will enshrine in law the rights of victims to participate in parole board hearings, and keep victims better informed about the behavior and handling of offenders. It will also authorize police to arrest an offender breaking release conditions without having to obtain a warrant.
 
This act will increase offender responsibility and accountability and strengthen the disciplinary system, while protecting the rights of victims. I think protection of society is a paramount principle and I believe this bill will help ensure our streets and communities are safe. Ending the early release of criminals is another way our government is putting the rights of law- abiding citizens and victims ahead of the interests of criminals.