Under a PC government, no one will be beneath the law, above the law or beyond the law

(Owen Sound, ON) - A Progressive Conservative government would ensure there is one rule of law for everyone in Ontario, John Tory announced today in a speech to the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards Convention.

"The fact is that right now, across several fronts, we do not have one law for all. And I believe that this must change," said the PC Leader. "Nobody can be forgotten. Nobody gets to opt-out. Nobody gets to live beyond the law's reach and protection. All of this is possible only if the rules of the game are consistent, stable, equitable and fair."

In his speech, Tory said a PC government would ensure "one law for all" by focusing on three principles. In the first, Tory said that no one should be beneath the law.

"We must do everything it takes to protect the disenfranchised, the poor and the vulnerable portions of our population. We must ensure they are protected under the same law as applies to everyone else and that they have equitable access to justice," said Tory. He pointed to the PC Time for Action plan to combat youth violence which included a number of measures to help youth and families and prevent crime.

The second principle is that no one should be above the law, whether it is regarding a political protest, a labour dispute or any other issue. "The Premier of Ontario must be prepared to vigorously pursue new tools and new measures to ensure all parties comply with the rule of law.  Simply standing by and allowing land occupations and railway blockades or other disruptive demonstrations that defy court injunctions just cannot be an option."

Tory said he is prepared to pursue civil remedies against anyone who leads a protest that crosses the line between free speech and disregard for public safety, and the rule of law.

"We will undertake to develop new tools and protocols for government to protect the public interest - whether it is in situations where people are concerned about environmental projects, a land claim, or any other matter," said Tory. "There needs to be a better way to manage dissent in Ontario. It comes down to leadership."

Under the third principle, Tory said no one should be beyond the law, whether it's organized crime, gangs or white-collar criminals. In the case of white collar crime, Tory said a PC government would get serious about investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating securities fraud and other white collar crimes.

"By insisting on one law for all, I believe we could see real progress," said Tory. "More importantly, in doing so we would create a fairer, safer and more equitable society for all of us."

Click here for the full transcript of John Tory's remarks on Police Services at the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards Convention Breakfast, Owen Sound, Ontario, May 4, 2007.