The title of this blog is a slogan adopted by the Conservative party to publicly denounce Dion’s proposed carbon tax. I find the slogan ironic since the Conservative party has recently decided to implement new gun and drug legislation that will inevitably cost taxpayer’s (a.k.a. YOU!) more.
The Conservatives have decided once again to get even tougher on crime (SURPRISE…not). They’ll do this by introducing new minimum mandatory sentences on more gun and drug offences. Offences that have been proven over and over again to seriously affect disadvantaged Canadian citizens and troubled communities.
This is yet another example of a government decision that is following in our “Big Brother to the South” footsteps. First with proposing $490 billion in military spending over the next 20 years ($15 billion having already been approved) and now adopting their draconian perceptions of crime and crime prevention through longer prison sentences.
The Saturday Toronto Star edition focused largely on the effects of getting tough on crime, its consequences, and demands on taxpayers. It outlined some important information that more Canadians need to be aware of.
To start, it’s apparent that many Canadians firmly support these new federal measures. I believe this support is rendered from the government’s focus on high profile violent incidents misleading citizens to believe that crime rates are up. This is not the case. In fact, the Toronto Star cites that the country’s crime rate has dropped some 25% over the past 15 years and this trend is continuing.
Moreover, the paper took a look at the current cost of the criminal justice system that the United States employs. This system is similar to the one that the Conservatives are currently working toward. The United States has created a bill of $200 billion a year for its law enforcement policies. This number should be compared to the $234 billion Canada has as its ENTIRE federal budget used for 2007-2008. How are Canadian’s ever going to afford this?
To be frank, I wouldn’t mind footing this bill if was actually effective but it’s not and it never will be. I’m surprised our government is making the same mistakes of similar developed westernized countries rather than learning from them. Why doesn’t everybody see through this??
There are other ways to go about crime control and prevention that are effective and don’t include incarceration. For example, the YELL (Youth Employment Local Leadership) program available in East Scarborough cost between $250,000 to $300,000 to accommodate 37 participants in a 10 month program. Only two participants did not complete the program while the remaining 35 found employment or pursued more education.
In this sense, the program presents a small fee considering incarcerating these 35 individuals over 10 months would cost $1.68 million with 4 out of 10 reoffending within the first two years after release.
Unfortunately, it seems like the majority of citizens have their mind made up to support these new measures. I can only wait for the day when I can say, “I told you so.” Probably in the very distant future, but hopefully not.
Until next time
Sources for this blog provided by:
The Toronto Star, Saturday July 19, 2008. “Special Report: Why getting tough on crime is toughest on the taxpayer” pg. A1 & A14-15 AND “High-cost ’hoods” pg. ID1 & ID4-6
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3 comments:
Jess,
Your right on target! MY ssiter taches in T.O. and her school is for kids who have been expelled or kicked out or just droped out. In other words alot of troubled youth. These kids when put in a situation where they get more one on one attention they learn and grow and they almost all graduate from high school. I think like 2 didnt graduate this year out of 15. If the goverment would put more $ into those type programs and things that would provide youth with an option when they have messed up, i think alot more youth would be less likely to offend in the first place. But who are we, were just meassly young adults the government doesnt care about us, were not casueing trouble or in school.
FAYE
I totally agree with you Jess. This is absolutely ridiculous and I can't understand why people can't see through it.
Imposing tougher sentences and punishments for gun and drug crimes has been proven time and time again to be ineffective. The only thing it does is costs taxpayers more money to incarcerate these people, most of whom are some of our most disadvantaged citizens.
This type of "solution" does nothing to change the lives of these people and like you said the recidivism rates are vey high. Instead of following the lead of our neighbours to the South we should be learning from their disastrous, incredibly stupid ways and try to come up with something a little better.
I really disagree with this system and I agree with you that a more effective solution would be something along the lines of YELL. A program such as this or other programs that target at risk populations and help them develop positive skills and relationships is much better than wasting tax payer dollars on something that is wholly ineffective.
I also agree with the general sentiments of your post. There definately should be more preventive measures supported by our government. I recently had the opportunity to visit a youth centre in Ingersoll that is making terrific headway in involving youth in creative and exciting ways. It has a great music centre, offers all sorts of classes, recreation activities, and technical training for those interested. Miraculously, the city gave an initial $700,000 grant to get things started. This definately is something I think more cities need to do.
You pointed out the drastic cost/spending difference between Canada and the US ($243 billion/year vs. 200 billion/law enforcement), and no, Canada cannot keep up with this. Nor do we need to - after all, their population is roughly 10 times Canada's. However, I won't get into the whole "Canada copying the US" issue because it is something that I don't always agree with - for example, increased spending on military isn't just an American thing, all countries spend on their military since the beginning of civilization - but I certainly see some echoes of US policy in this crack down. Let's hope this doesn't get too far out of hand, there's nothing more frustrating than watching people waste away our money on fruitless endeavours.
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