Remembering two tragedies in Montreal

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

************************* NOTE: Members of the public are invited to attend a Montreal Massacre Memorial this evening, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Algoma University College auditorium.

TORONTO, Dec. 6 - At a vigil to mark the 17th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre and three months after the shooting spree at Dawson College, Ontario's Attorney General Michael Bryant renewed his call for all levels of government to do everything within their power to fight gun crime.

"On this day of all days, we need to remember the victims and their families and renew our commitment to work together to end gun violence once and for all," said Bryant. "On this anniversary of that tragic day in 1989 when so many vital young women were killed, it is only appropriate that we rededicate ourselves to improving supports for victims of violence," said the Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Sandra Pupatello. Ontario continues to press the federal government to implement a handgun ban and maintain the federal gun registry.

"We know handguns are the weapon of choice for many criminals and we believe Ontarians, and indeed all Canadians, would be better protected with a handgun ban and are safer with the federal gun registry in place," said Bryant.

The McGuinty government has long advocated for both increased mandatory minimum sentences and bail reform for gun crimes and supports two federal bills, C-10 and C-35 that, if passed, would implement tougher mandatory minimum jail sentences and reverse the onus for bail for serious gun crimes.

The province remains committed to doing all it can to fight gun crime.

That is why it is implementing a $51-million package of initiatives,including: www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca

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