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Personal Safety # 1 Priority for MacKenzie in 2006 |
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Written by NS Liberal Party
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Tuesday, 03 January 2006 |
Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Francis MacKenzie is asking the government to set up an Independent Action Panel to learn what Nova Scotians think should be done to increase personal safety in the province. "We have seen too many violations against personal safety lately and many of them violent. Unless something is done, it's just going to get worse," said MacKenzie.
"Whether it is more police, tougher sentences for repeat offenders, recreational facilities for youth, or protective shields for taxi drivers, we need to hear from Nova Scotians and the experts on what areas should be bolstered to improve personal safety."
MacKenzie is making personal safety his number one issue for 2006. Justice Minister Michael Baker promised to get tough on crime on several occasions. In 2001, he promised a crime prevention strategy and a plan for police. So far we have seen no strategy, and no police plan.
"Minister Baker's efforts have only translated into Halifax as having the highest level of violent crime per capita. This is absolutely unacceptable," added MacKenzie.
According to Statistics Canada, violent crimes in Nova Scotia are 20 percent higher than the national average, and assaults are 25 percent higher than the national average.
"It is clear that personal safety is not a priority for Baker or the Tory government. It is obvious the Hamm Tories have failed when it comes to protecting Nova Scotians. Nothing is more important then feeling safe in our communities. If we don't have personal safety, then what do we have?" said MacKenzie. |
