OTTAWA—Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer pledged Thursday to get tough on crime with mandatory minimum sentences of five years for anyone convicted of abusing children. Scheer, who made an announcement in the Montreal suburb of Delson, Que., said he will ensure sentences for sexual crimes against children take into account the length and severity of abuse. Wounds from sexual abuse last a lifetime, Scheer said, adding the penalty should “fit the crime” and that survivors need to be assured the federal government will ensure offenders are appropriately punished. “Under my leadership, a Conservative government will always put the rights of victims ahead of the rights of criminals,” Scheer said in a statement. 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.

Source: thestar May 23, 2019 17:03 UTC