Polievre proposes expanding mandatory prison terms for racketeering offenses – Winnipeg Free Press

SURREY, BC – Pierre Poilevre says the Conservative government will set a minimum prison sentence for anyone convicted of extortion.

The opposition leader said Friday that extortion-related crime had risen sharply, with police fighting the threat of organized crime against businesses in many provinces.

Polievre's comments were made at a mall in Surrey, B.C., where police say shots were fired at the business last November.

He said small businesses in communities like Surrey are at increased risk of violence, kidnapping, arson and shootings.

“It's crazy and it shouldn't happen in Canada,” he said.

The opposition leader cited the Liberal government's 2022 Criminal Code amendments that removed some mandatory minimum sentences for various crimes, including the four-year minimum for extortion with a firearm.

However, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for first-time extortionists who use a restricted or prohibited firearm or use any type of weapon on behalf of a criminal organization.

Polievre said the Conservatives would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for anyone convicted of extortion, and five years for “acting on behalf of gangs or organized crime”.

He said his party's plan would give police and prosecutors another tool to target gang “leaders” and restore the four-year mandatory minimum sentence for all extortionists who use firearms, regardless of type or circumstances.

Polievre also said that arson was considered an “aggravating factor” in extortion cases and that what he called “catch and release” police would be pushed back.

His comments come as police in the three provinces say a wave of extortion threats, shootings and arson attacks have targeted primarily South Asian-owned businesses.

Polievre said Canada needs a “tougher crackdown” on gangs that target vulnerable youth “who are under incredible stress because their families can no longer afford to feed them.”

He said the rising cost of living has led to parents working multiple jobs, leaving their children vulnerable to recruitment by gangs who say “join our gang and we'll help your family pay the bills.”

The Supreme Court of Canada has previously struck down mandatory minimum sentences for a number of drug and firearms offences, but Poillevre said his “recommendations are Charter-proof”.

“They respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and we want laws that respect the rights of all Canadians, including and especially victims of crime,” he said.

Polievre refused to use the clause of the constitution, saying it was unnecessary.

“Everything I'm proposing is constitutional,” he said.

Police in at least three provinces are investigating extortion schemes targeting business owners in South Asian communities, a tactic investigators say organized crime groups in India's Punjab state typically operate.

In January, Edmonton police announced a series of arrests in connection with 18 extortion incidents in the area, which they believe included arson and drive-by shootings.

RCMP in BC say extortionists looking for “protection money” have recently targeted businesses in Surrey, West Vancouver and White Rock.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 9, 2024.