National

PBO says minimum sentence costs $98 million yearly

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Mar, 2022 10:04 AM

OTTAWA - The parliamentary budget officer says that one particular mandatory minimum sentence costs a total of $98 million each year.

Budget officer Yves Giroux's report focuses on costs related to the three-year minimum sentence for possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, in force since 2008.

His report says people convicted of this crime are sentenced to a total of 1,162 more years in federal custody than before the minimum was in place.

Giroux's office says this translates into about 684 more people in federal custody and 467 more people on federal parole at any given time.

Mandatory minimum sentences require judges to impose a minimum penalty on those convicted of a specific crime.

The report says this minimum sentence disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous people.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Liberals ready to release economic update

While the Bank of Canada has a mandate to keep inflation in check, the government agreed Monday it plays a role in helping the central bank maintain inflation around its two-per-cent target.

Liberals ready to release economic update

Indigenous people more likely to die from opioids

Data from the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia shows that Indigenous people are five times more likely to experience an overdose and three times more likely to die than other residents. The gap has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, the authority said.

Indigenous people more likely to die from opioids

Unmarked graves news story of the year: CP poll

The discovery of unmarked graves at a former residential school in the B.C. Interior and the countrywide awakening it set off have been chosen as Canada’s news story of the year by editors in newsrooms across the country.

Unmarked graves news story of the year: CP poll

1,129 COVID19 cases over 3 days

There are currently 2,949 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 217,705 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 185 individuals are currently in hospital and 72 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

1,129 COVID19 cases over 3 days

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

On December 2, 2021 a Richmond RCMP frontline officer was attempting to arrest a man for an alleged theft when the man allegedly assaulted the officer. During the attempted arrest, a struggle on the ground ensued. Prior to additional officers arriving, the man was able to break free and run from the area on foot.

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

Officers found 27 teenagers crammed inside a party bus with a dance floor. The bus had been hired to take the teens downtown for a 17-year-old’s birthday party. VPD officers are now recommending 27 counts of failing to provide a chaperone for passengers under 19, allowing open liquor in a vehicle, and operating with too many passengers.