NDP MP Peter Julian seeks tougher sentences for attacks on transit workers

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      Peter Julian, the NDP MP for Burnaby-Westminster, has reintroduced legislation that aims to see assaults on transit workers be punished with more jail time.

      Julian's private member's bill, C-402, would up the maximum possible sentence to 20 years, according to a news release issued today (February 27) by his office.

      "What we have seen is a disturbing trend over the last few years where a growing number of transit operators and bus drivers are being assaulted in the line of duty," Julian told the House of Commons. "While they are protecting Canadians, taking them from point A to point B, often they are subject to verbal threats, and often quite worse. What we have seen in places like Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal is a growing trend of assaults against bus drivers and transit operators."

      The MP says the Canadian Auto Workers Union and the Amalgamated Transit Union of Canada support the bill.

      According to Julian's release, 150 assaults were reported by Vancouver bus drivers in 2010.

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      Comments

      6 Comments

      Steve Newton

      Feb 27, 2012 at 3:48pm

      as an innocent bystander in the '80s I was sprayed directly in the eyes with dog repellent by an overzealous B.C. Transit driver trying to break up a commotion. So I'd say the violence goes both ways

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      Twat

      Feb 27, 2012 at 5:11pm

      There should be ONE LAW FOR ALL!

      Not special laws just for Transit Workers.

      Assault Jail Times should the SAME if you or I get hurt or a Transit worker !

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      Birdy

      Feb 27, 2012 at 11:01pm

      One law for all?! Come on man..
      These guys work for the government.
      They are MORE EQUAL THAN YOU.
      Accept it and worship your new gods.

      Oh and don't forget to vote. It reaaaaally makes a difference.

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      Type witty name here

      Feb 28, 2012 at 6:38am

      Steve: fair enough though your 20 or 30 year old example may not represent the gramd sum of the current reality.

      Twat: really one law for all? For assult against infants? Judges? Police officers? ...? Maybe circumstances of the situation matter?

      Birdy: ... oh, what's the point.

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      Birdy

      Feb 28, 2012 at 2:00pm

      re: Type "Birdy: ... oh, what's the point"

      The point of applying laws universally, fairly and equally?
      What's the point of declaring ALL human beings to have value, regardless of what kind of hat they wear?
      Is that what you're asking? The answer is what most would call "self-evident."

      I kind of thought that's what the NDP was into... or at least gave lip service to... You know, equality and shit? Guess not.

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      HellSlayerAndy

      Feb 29, 2012 at 9:03am

      One more reason not to bother voting for these 'Tories'.
      Yes... Mr. Julian...tougher sentencing creates deterrence and therefore less crime. Sure it doesn't work for drugs, but yer pretty sure it will work drunken assaults on busses.
      I guess you endorse the approach of the Federal government, eh?
      More prisons and laws means more union jobs, eh?

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