Mrs PADGHAM-PURICH - 1994-08-31
I understand that amendments are planned to the Fire Service Act. Can the minister assure me that consideration will be given, in the new legislation, to increasing the penalty provisions for the illegal lighting of fires?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am very pleased to be able to provide the member for Nelson with information in relation to this matter because the penalties in the current legislation are not particularly high. I believe that, under the current Fire Service Act, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1000 and 6 months imprisonment. Section 154 of the Criminal Code, which covers dangerous acts etc, is available to police or prosecuting authorities in cases of serious damage or death. That particular provision will be maintained. The new bill will provide for matters such as on-the-spot fines for less serious strict liability offences. It is intended to increase the maximum penalty to a fine of $10 000 and imprisonment for more than the 6 months that is provided for presently. Certainly, there will be a number of improvements including increased penalties.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am very pleased to be able to provide the member for Nelson with information in relation to this matter because the penalties in the current legislation are not particularly high. I believe that, under the current Fire Service Act, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1000 and 6 months imprisonment. Section 154 of the Criminal Code, which covers dangerous acts etc, is available to police or prosecuting authorities in cases of serious damage or death. That particular provision will be maintained. The new bill will provide for matters such as on-the-spot fines for less serious strict liability offences. It is intended to increase the maximum penalty to a fine of $10 000 and imprisonment for more than the 6 months that is provided for presently. Certainly, there will be a number of improvements including increased penalties.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016