Federal deputies are expected to vote in the afternoon on approving the bill on mandatory minimum sentences, before it is sent to the Senate.
Bill C-5 would amend the Criminal Code to remove mandatory minimum sentences for all drug convictions and for certain firearms offenses.
Prosecutors will also be asked to consider using treatment programs or other support services rather than filing charges for simply possession of the drug.
Justice Minister David Lametti argued that the changes were aimed at addressing the excessive representation of blacks and Indigenous people in the justice system.
These changes cancel the steps of fight against crime adopted by Stephen Harper’s previous Conservative government.
Canadian courts have already overturned some mandatory minimum sentences, calling it unconstitutional.
If the bill can be passed by both the House of Commons and the Senate, it will be the Liberals ’first major step on this issue after promising in 2015 to review mandatory minimum sentences.
The Canadian Press
Source: Radio-Canada
