Canada government targets systemic racism with new Justice bill
The Liberal Party of Canada has introduced a bill it believes will help address systemic racism in the criminal justice system. If passed, Bill C-22 would amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to get rid of mandatory minimum penalties for certain drug possession and firearms offences. It would also allow for a greater use of conditional sentences and would require police and prosecutors to consider alternatives to laying charges in simple possession cases, such as redirecting people to addiction treatment or restorative justice programs. Justice Minister David Lametti told CBC the goal of the legislation, …