APTN National News
The federal government only targets criminals and Aboriginal peoples are likely to be victims of crime so they’re “taking action” to ensure their safety said the office of Public Safety Minister Vic Toews when asked to comment on the Sapers report.
“Our government is taking action to ensure our correctional system actually corrects criminal behaviour. The only identifiable group that our tough on crime agenda targets are criminals,” said Julie Carmichael, a spokeswoman for Toews. “Fact – Aboriginal Canadians are more likely to be victims of crime. We are taking action to ensure that all Canadian communities are protected.”
Howard Sapers released his long-awaited report Thursday that found there’s been a 23 per cent increase in the number of Aboriginal peoples in the federal prison system in the last five years.
In comparison, Aboriginal peoples make up four per cent of Canada’s population. One of three female inmates are First Nation, Metis or Inuit.
Critics don’t agree with the Toews’ office and slammed the government for inaction.
But Carmichael said “our government’s action to date” includes a recent announcement to fund Aboriginal police forces for the next five years.
She also pointed to “bringing in stronger laws to keep our streets and communities safe including mandatory minimum penalties for serious crimes, cracking down on people who sell drugs to children, eliminating house arrest for serious crimes, ending the faint hope clause and eliminating two for one sentencing credits.”
