The federal government is one step closer to keeping those convicted of kidnapping a child off the streets. Private members Bill C-299 has received Royal Assent. Woodstock Police Chief Rod Freeman says that means the bill amends the criminal code to establish a five year minimum prison term for a stranger abduction of anyone under the age of 16. "Meaning that if just the simple act of taking a child, that's under 16 that's a stranger to you, will buy you five years in the penitentiary system which I think is wonderful considering that the only way to deal with that type of offender is to get them off the streets." Freeman, who became Police Chief the day Tori Stafford's body was discovered in Mount Forest, spoke to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights a year ago on this bill, and earlier this year, made a presentation to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

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