Advertisement

Scheer pledges mandatory 5-year sentence for child abuse

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer stands during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Sean Kilpatrick/CP

OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer is pledging to get tough on crime with mandatory minimum sentences of five years for anyone convicted of abusing children.

Scheer, who made the announcement in a Montreal suburb this morning, says he will ensure sentences for sexual crimes against children take into account the length and severity of abuse.

READ MORE: Andrew Scheer lays out plan to combat human trafficking

He says wounds from sexual abuse last a lifetime, adding the penalty should “fit the crime” and that survivors need to be assured the federal government will ensure offenders are appropriately punished.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Scheer has been rolling out a series of policy announcements ahead of the October election as he works to define himself and his party with Canadians.

Story continues below advertisement

WATCH: Andrew Scheer says he won’t ‘reopen’ abortion if elected

Click to play video: 'Andrew Scheer says he won’t ‘reopen’ abortion if elected'
Andrew Scheer says he won’t ‘reopen’ abortion if elected

On Wednesday, he pledged funding for police, survivor services and public awareness to fight human trafficking, adding he will make changes to the Criminal Code to make it easier to convict people accused of it.

He’s also in the middle of a five-speech series to lay out his views on issues such as foreign policy, the economy and the environment.

Sponsored content

AdChoices