PRINCE GEORGE, February 17, 2011 –  Dick Harris (Cariboo-Prince George) BC/Yukon Caucus Chair expressed astonishment about last night’s vote. The Ignatieff-led coalition with the NDP and Bloc Quebecois voted in favour of Bill C-343, An Act that would give EI to youth who got injured as a result of committing a crime.

“We would never support a bill that rewards criminals as this one does. This bill would increase EI premiums on law-abiding Canadian families and business owners to pay for the care of youth criminals,” said Dick Harris.

Harris explained that if a criminal is injured while committing a crime, this bill would provide thousands of dollars through EI so they can be cared for up to an entire year. For example, if a 16 year old falls down the stairs while robbing a house, this bill would provide thousands of dollars through EI so they can be cared for.

Harris said: "This is unjust and offensive to victims and their families, as well as to hard-working law-abiding Canadian taxpayers. This Conservative Government is standing up for the interests of victims of crime. Unfortunately, this is just another example of how the Ignatieff-led coalition is interested in helping criminals while ignoring victims.”