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Stiffer Penalties Tabled for Defacing War Monuments

Tuesday, 10 April 2012 07:35

A Woodstock Veteran of the Korean War was one of the advocates for a Bill to change Canadian law when it comes to vandalizing a Cenotaph or War Memorial. Earl Page spoke in favour of Bill C-217 at a Justice Committee meeting last week. Oxford MP Dave MacKenzie Chairs that committee and tells Heart FM this bill would bring stiffer penalties to those convicted of damaging a war monument. "There would be a mandatory penalty of $1000 (fine) for a first offense. That doesn't seem onerous, but it is significant in that it does have a minimum-mandatory penalty. Then it goes to 14-days (jail time) for a second offense." Opposition members are against the bill, saying there shouldn't be a mandatory minimum sentence. But the bill is still expected to pass later this year with the Conservatives holding a majority. The bill brings back memories of swastikas that were spray painted on Woodstock's Cenotaph back on the eve of Remembrance Day 2009. However, MacKenzie says surprisingly, there have been other similar cases across the country. "We probably think it only happens here, but it has happened across the country. You know, it is a despicable act...in many cases we're not talking about youngsters. It brings to the forefront what's happening across the country with people who haven't given any thought to what they're damaging."

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