HispanicBusiness

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/15/13 -- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, made the following statement on the Manitoba Court of Appeal decision related to the sentencing of Graham James:

  "The public loses faith in the justice system when they feel that the  consequences of breaking the law are inadequate. Child sexual abuse and  exploitation are very serious crimes that call out for serious penalties.  I am pleased that the Manitoba Court of Appeal has recognized through this  decision that children - the most vulnerable members of our society - must  be protected from sexual predators.  Our Government has worked hard to protect children against sexual  predators. The Safe Streets and Communities Act provided tougher penalties  for those who commit sexual offences against children and youth and  ensures that every instance of child sexual abuse means jail time. But our  work is not done.  Later this year, we will introduce comprehensive legislation which further  cracks down on child sexual predators. We also intend to ensure that the  justice system adequately reflects the reality of victimization in these  cases, and takes into account each young life that has been devastated by  sexual abuse.  This is an important part of our Government's plan for safe streets and  communities, which is one of the key priorities recently identified by the  Prime Minister. The plan focuses on our ongoing commitment to tackling  crime, victims' rights, and a fair and efficient justice system."