Bill 106, the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN) went before the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills today for clause-by-clause review. Instead of participating in meaningful debate, NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo filibustered the proceedings and blocked the completion of the clause-by-clause review. The Bill did not pass Committee.

After openly admitting that she intended to run out the clock, DiNovo called SCAN supporters “totalitarian”, and proceeded to prevent meaningful debate on community safety.

“I am incredibly disappointed that Ms. DiNovo has chosen partisanship over the safety of our communities,” said Yasir Naqvi, MPP for Ottawa Centre. “Even more shocking is her blatant disregard for protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

In the fall of 2007, residents of Hintonburg approached Naqvi with the idea to introduce SCAN in Ontario as a tool to create safe and welcoming communities. They pointed to SCAN legislation in other jurisdictions, and stressed the need to have made-in-Ontario tools and mechanisms for communities to use to address persistent and disruptive criminal behaviour in their neighbourhoods. Recognizing the increase of crack houses and gang activity in his community, Naqvi agreed to pursue SCAN as a tool to help vulnerable people feel safe in their own homes.

SCAN is only one piece of a four-pronged approach to addressing the problem of crime and addiction in our community; prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement. Since 2003, Naqvi has been working hard to ensure that the other pillars of prevention, treatment and harm reduction are available and effective in our community. He has:

· Ensured the Safe Inhalation Program survived with an investment from the Ministry of Health after program funding was cancelled by City Council;

· Helped secure a $2.4 million investment in a new residential drug treatment facility for youth aged 13 – 17;

· Supported prevention initiatives with increased investments in school outreach programs, community hubs, and after-school programs; and

· Increased the number of supportive housing units for people with addictions.

“I believe in a balanced approach. Crime is a complex problem that requires integrated and innovative solutions,” said Naqvi. “SCAN is an important tool to compliment existing initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of crime.”

For more information on SCAN, please check out the Initiatives tab of this website.