Conservatives Bring Common Sense Law Targeting Extortionists

February 13, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – Tim Uppal, Deputy Leader of the Conservative party of
Canada, introduced Private Member’s Bill C-381, the Protection
Against Extortion Act, will protect Canadians from becoming victims
of extortion.
Bill C-381 enforces a three-year mandatory minimum penalty for
extortion and restores a four-year minimum penalty for extortion
involving a non-restricted firearm, which was repealed by the Liberal
government in Bill C-5. Bill C-381 sets a mandatory minimum penalty
of five years for extortion linked to a criminal organization and
recognizes arson as an aggravating factor in extortion charges.
“After eight years of Justin Trudeau, extortion offences have risen by
218% and violent crime is up by 39%. Reckless Liberal policies, such
as Bill C-5, have repealed mandatory minimum penalties for extortion
offenses, making it easier for criminals to avoid prison time, get back
onto our streets, and continue terrorizing our communities. Canadians
shouldn’t have to live like this,” said MP Uppal.
In just eight years, extortion has dramatically increased across
Canada. The rate of extortion was five times higher in 2022 than a
decade prior. The rate of police-reported extortion increased for the
third consecutive year in 2022. Extortion is a particular problem in
Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, where it has risen 263%,
284%, and 386% respectively since 2015. In the GTA, extortions have
increased by 155% since 2015, and in Vancouver, by 228%.
“After eight years of Trudeau, crime, chaos, and disorder, are the
norm. The good news is that it wasn’t like this before Justin Trudeau,
and it won’t be like this after he is gone,” said MP Uppal. “Common
sense Conservatives will reverse the damage caused by Justin
Trudeau’s soft-on-crime policies by going after criminals and leaders
of organized crime rings. Bill C-381 will protect our communities from
extortionists, punish the gangs who benefit from extortion, and bring
home safe streets for all Canadians.”

For more information:
olobcocom@parl.gc.ca
613-943-0117