OTTAWA — Organized crime will take a major hit under “aggressive” new legislation that makes it easier to nab gang members and gives police sweeping powers to break the law in order to uphold it, says Justice Minister Anne McLellan.
With several police chiefs looking on, McLellan announced details Thursday of the government’s proposed strategy for dealing with criminal gangs, which have steadily grown larger and bolder over time.
The package includes Criminal Code changes that would make it easier for police and prosecutors to investigate and build cases against gang members. Key among them is making participation in a criminal organization a crime that could draw anywhere from five years in prison for helping an organization to a life sentence for leading one.
Included is $200 million in new money for the RCMP. The bill contains new guidelines for police on when they can break the law while investigating crimes — of any nature — undercover.
