Ed Komarnicki MP for Souris Moose-Mountain, says he is “moved with the concern expressed by the community of Whitewood and area respecting the safety and security of our young children. This is evidenced not only by the number of letters but also the number of signed petitions being received by my office.”

“Today I have read into the record of the House of Commons a petition signed by numerous residents from many local communities including: Whitewood, Kipling, Oxbow, Alameda, Carnduff, Redvers, Frobisher, Lake Alma, Glenavon, Kenosee Lake, Glen Ewen, North Gate and many more including areas both in and outside of Saskatchewan.

There have been over 2500 signatures obtained to date and I understand that 31,000 hits have been recorded on the Town of Whitewood website with people accessing the petition” stated Komarnicki.

“I will continue to file these petitions”, said Komarnicki, “to draw attention to the need for a greater focus and improved legislation in the area of offences committed by paedophiles.” The petition itself calls for:

- harsher penalties to convicted paedophiles;

- mandatory compulsory electronic monitoring of paedophiles;

- compulsory public notification on movements of paedophiles;

- repeat offenders being designated as ‘Dangerous Offenders’

“I have directed these petitions to the Department of Justice and to Justice Minister Toews’ attention. I will continue to file the petitions in the House to draw the attention of Parliament to these issues and I will continue to direct the signed petitions to the Minister of Justice” stated Komarnicki.

“I have met with the Justice Minister on these specific issues and I am hopeful that the Minister of Justice will introduce new legislation dealing with the designation and sentencing of ‘Dangerous Offenders’. I will continue to keep the message of the petition on the agenda and this would include the possibility of introducing a Private Member’s Bill in the House,” Komarnicki said.

“Obviously” said Komarnicki, “the safety of our communities and the protection of our children has struck a strong cord with Canadians as evidenced by the initial response we have seen to this petition.”