Sudbury

Action Sudbury wants drunk driving legislation to focus on prevention, not punishment

An advocacy group that promotes safe sober driving in Sudbury is not sure new legislation against impaired driving will be effective.

'Whether it's going to stop it from happening, I don't see it'

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An advocacy group that promotes safe sober driving in Sudbury is not sure new legislation against impaired driving will be effective.
Ron Roy is the chair of Action Sudbury (Action Sudbury)

"The reason I would support it is because it brings the issue to the forefront," said Ron Roy, the chair of Action Sudbury. "Whether it's going to stop it from happening, I don't see it. It's not going to bring anybody back."

The Dangerous and Impaired Driving Act would increase the minimum penalty for drunk driving causing death from a $1,000 fine to six years in jail.

Roy thinks the focus should be on prevention, instead of increased sentences.

Due to the timing of when the legislation was introduced, it almost certainly cannot pass before the federal election in October.

Listen to Roy's full interview with CBC Up North host Jason Turnbull:

Justice Minister Peter MacKay introduced legislation for a mandatory five years in prison at minimum for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death.