Press Release
BACK
to STREET RACING
For immediate
release
June 15, 2006
Liberals'
Street Racing 'Dog and Pony Show' Insult to Victims
(Queen's Park) "Even the
serious issue of street racing and the resulting loss of life and
life-threatening injuries, could not overcome the Liberals' addiction
to their 'Dog and Pony Show' style of politics," said Oak Ridges
MPP Frank Klees after observing the staged crushing of cars that
were used in a street race. "Where we should be today, is in the
Legislature putting into law the provisions of The Street Racing
Act , not participating in yet another photo-op".
The Oak Ridges MPP and former
Minister of Transportation charged that the Liberals are more concerned
with partisan politics than with exercising their responsibility
to deal with the growing incidents of street racing. He was referring
to the Liberals' denial of a unanimous consent motion which would
have ensured quick passage of The Street Racing Act, 2006. The motion
was thwarted when a number of Liberal MPPs voiced their opposition.
Mr. Darcy Merkur, a partner
with the firm of Thomson, Rogers, representing the victims of the
recent Mississauga road racing accident, expressed shock and disappointment
over the Liberal Government's unwillingness to support and fast
track The Street Racing Bill proposed by Klees. " Unfortunately
the families of the victims cannot be here to express their disappointment
with the Liberal Government's inaction as they are occupied with
their loved one's recovery."
When he was advised of the
Attorney General's media event in the wake of the Liberals' position
on The Street Racing Bill, Mr. Merkur stated, "while the victims
of road racing are pleased to support any event to raise awareness
of the dangers of road racing, they would ask that the Attorney
General immediately support Mr. Klees' proposed legislation that
will empower the police and our justice system to deal decisively
with those who put the lives of innocent people at risk and will
help deter this reckless conduct."
The Street Racing Bill empowers
front line police officers to issue on-the-spot licence suspensions
and to impound the vehicles of anyone suspected of engaging in street
racing. It provides for fines up to $2,000 and 6 month jail terms
for convictions, and bans nitrous oxide fuel systems that are connected
in any vehicle driven on a public road.
"I am hopeful that following
this demonstration of the Attorney General's awareness of the street
racing issue, that he will convince the rest of his Liberal colleagues
to put aside their partisan politics and support the quick passage
of The Street Racing Bill," said Klees.
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For more information:
Frank Klees , MPP
Mr. Darcy Merkur
416-325-7316
416-868-3176
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