Gun-violence Reduction Initiatives:

• Call for Reverse Onus Bail — In December 2005, Premier Dalton McGuinty wrote to the leaders of the four main federal political parties, asking, among other things, for their commitment to move as quickly as possible under a new Parliament to amend the Criminal Code to impose reverse onus bail for all gun crimes. This would mean that the accused would have to prove to the court during a bail hearing that they are not a danger to the public or a flight risk.
  
• Working with the Federal Government on a Tougher Criminal Code To Deal With Gun Crimes — The McGuinty government continues to spearhead discussions with federal leaders about amending the Criminal Code to ban handguns, impose a mandatory minimum sentence of four years for illegal possession of a handgun, impose increased mandatory minimum sentences for all gun crimes, create two new Criminal Code offences with mandatory minimum sentences for robbery with intent to steal a gun and for breaking and entering with intent to steal a gun, and set more severe penalties for any breach of bail conditions.
  
• No Deals for Gun Offenders — Crown prosecutors are instructed not to withdraw or plea-bargain firearms-related offences for expediency, absent exceptional circumstances. The Crown must also seek appropriate sentences that will act as a deterrent and, in serious cases, consider seeking sentences higher than the mandatory minimum.
  
• Marijuana Grow-Ops Law — This new law, passed on December 14, 2005, will help police, hydro and fire officials to combat grow-ops, and will see to it that the proceeds of seized assets from grow-ops are spent on enforcement, crime prevention and compensating victims. The illicit drug trade is known to be fuelling the illicit firearms market.
  
• Gun Amnesty — to get illegal guns off the streets. The Project PEACE gun amnesty was implemented by the Toronto Police Service and supported by the Ministry of the Attorney General from November 7-30, 2005. A total of 261 guns, including 33 handguns, and 1,554 rounds of ammunition were collected.
  
• Expansion of Toronto Guns And Gangs Task Force To Include Federal Prosecutors — Ontario and federal officials will continue discussions with a view to creating teams of dedicated provincial and federal prosecutors working together in the Toronto area to take action on gun and related drug crimes.
  
• "Blitz" Inspections of Gun-Licensed Businesses in Toronto — to ensure gun storage and safekeeping standards were being met. Thirty-two gun-licensed businesses in Toronto were inspected. The Chief Firearms Office is now incorporating unannounced inspections of gun-licensed businesses across the province into its regular procedures. Previously, most inspections were scheduled in advance.
  
• Ontario's Witness Protection Program — improvements to encourage more community members to come forward when they have witnessed a serious crime. The Ministry of the Attorney General is working toward improving short-term protection, and reducing red tape involved in obtaining a new identity and with expediting admission to the program. Ontario's Attorney General will continue to work with his federal counterpart to improve the federal witness protection plan so that it can work in a coordinated manner with Ontario's program.
  
• Community Impact Evidence — The Ministry of the Attorney General is implementing new and innovative ways for Crown prosecutors to bring community impact evidence before the courts in seeking tougher sentences. This involves Crown prosecutors developing and presenting evidence to the court about the devastating impact of gun violence on individuals and communities. The newly expanded Toronto Guns and Gangs Task Force will further develop legal arguments to get this type of innovative evidence before the court.
  
• Stiffer Sentences — Expert Crown prosecutors have developed, and will continue to supplement, a firearms prosecution package available to Crown prosecutors as a resource in seeking tougher sentences.
  
• Mandatory Gunshot Wound Reporting — A new law, the first of its kind in Canada, requires public hospitals to report when someone is being treated for a gunshot wound and the name of the person being treated, if known.