432-01165 (Public safety)

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

Whereas, in Canada, almost a quarter of the people who leave our correctional systems reoffend within two years of being released;

Whereas, safe and peaceful communities require resources and a plan to help people not become repeat offenders;

Whereas, people who have been incarcerated should have the necessary resources and employment opportunities to be able to transition back into the community and avoid falling back into their old ways;

Whereas, victims are at the heart of the justice system and the best way to protect them is to reduce crime and recidivism; and;

Whereas, Canada doesn't have a current strategy to reduce recidivism.

Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Support and quickly pass Bill C-228, An Act to establish a federal framework to reduce recidivism, helping to ensure that our society is safer, more peaceful, prosperous and just; and

2. Support local communities and organizations that work to help those leaving correctional facilities become re-integrated into society.