Wild Rose MP Blake Richards has been appointed to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public and National Security.
“For many years, citizens across Canada, including our constituency, have encouraged our government’s efforts to put the rights of victims ahead of criminals,” Richards said in a release. “I have been fortunate to be able to do my part, and I look forward to the opportunity to do more as a part of this vital committee.”
Richards was the author of the Private Member’s Bill C-309, which makes it illegal to wear a mask while participating in a riot.
The bill received Royal Assent and became law June 19, 2013.
In the coming months, the Public and National Security committee will have the opportunity to review several pieces of legislation, including government and private member’s bills, including the Respect for Communities Act and the Drug Free Prisons Act.
The committee is also studying the economics of policing across Canada.
“This is a topic of importance for every province and municipality in our country,” said Richards. “From 1985 to 2011, policing costs have risen from $137 to $375 per capita.”
