Transit driver assaulted - pushing for solutions
07
2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Transit driver Tom Bregg and his family this week. Tom is the driver who was assaulted last Thursday morning during rush hour. I wish Tom and his family peace as they cope with this tragedy.
I think we need to get tougher on attacks against Transit operators. The Criminal Code needs to recognize that an attack on an operator compromises the safety of passengers and people on the road. The consequences of an attack on a driver are far more severe than just the assault itself.
I’m working with Councillor Karen Leibovici to put a motion on the floor to ask Council to endorse a campaign by Amalgamated Transit Union Canada to have the Code changed to make attacking a bus driver a specific offence with stronger penalties. This is similar to the charge for assaulting a peace officer, which already exists.
This won’t fix the problem, but it will help. We’re also looking at other solutions, such as bus driver shields and more security personnel on buses.
I believe in crime prevention and addressing the root social causes of crime, but we also need our Criminal Code to reflect the consequences of crime.
Please join the push to have Transit operators recognized in the Criminal Code. Contact your MP, and contact your Councillors to let them know how you feel. Join the Facebook group to show your support for Tom.
Most importantly, keep Tom in your thoughts this season.
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