A Liberal MPP's proposal for stronger police powers with respect to suspects caught driving with a firearm is getting support from Toronto's police chief.
MPP Mike Colle's private member's bill calls for similar repercussions under the recent street racing legislation introduced last fall: automatic one-week driving suspensions and vehicle impoundment for drivers caught racing, stunt driving or speeding in excess of 50 km/h over the posted limit.
Colle wants the Highway Traffic Act amended to crack down on those caught with illegal firearms in their vehicles, which he says will make communities safer. His bill also calls for fines of between $2,000 and $10,000 and six months in jail upon a conviction.
"This is a simple, direct tool for the police to get rid of the perpetrator of a potential crime," Colle told CTV Toronto.
"It also sends a good message that you don't go around the streets of Toronto or Ontario with a stolen (firearm)."
Colle, who says there has been several shootings in his Eglinton-Lawrence riding recently, presented his campaign to the Toronto Police Services Board at city hall.
Police Chief Bill Blair supports the initiative, saying his officers seize an average of two handguns every day, and many of those weapons are found in vehicles.
Colle's bill is currently before the Ontario legislature. If passed, the proposal would be the first legislation of its kind in Canada, and possibly North America.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Alicia Kay-Markson
