Omnibus crime bill passes in the House of Commons

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OTTAWA, ON (NEWS1130) – The controversial Omnibus crime bill has passed its final test in the House of Commons by a vote of 159-124.

The legislation consisting of nine separate bills could get royal assent as early as today. But, that doesn’t mean the bill takes effect immediately.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson says the government will consult with the provinces to decide when various parts of the legislation will be implemented. Nicholson says he doesn’t want the provinces to be overwhelmed by the bill’s effects.

The legislation will increase penalties for drug and sex offenders and the family of one victim of crime is calling this a big victory.

Gary Kruze has been fighting for these stricter measures for over a decade. In 1997, his brother Martin was the first victim to go public about the Maple Leaf Gardens sex abuse ring. He says he is proud to see this bill passed and cannot help but get emotional.

“There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of Martin and the sacrifice he made in his life in order to help other children not to go through what he went through and also the huge awareness,” said Kruze.

Martin committed suicide three days after Gordon Stuckless pled guilty to abusing 24 boys but was only sentenced to two years in jail.

Gary added that this bill sends a strong message to child abusers, that they will not just get a slap on the wrist for their crimes.

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