N.S. Tories propose curfew for children 15 and under
Last Updated: Thursday, May 21, 2009 | 1:20 PM ET
CBC News
Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservatives are threatening to fine parents up to $500 if their children are out alone after 1 a.m.
If re-elected, the Tories said on the campaign trail Thursday, children 15 and under will not be allowed on the street and unattended between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.
PC leader Rodney MacDonald said he can't think of any reason why a child would be out on the street at 1 a.m.
Under the proposal, a police officer would tell children caught violating the curfew to go home, or possibly escort them home if they refuse.
Parents could face fines if their children repeatedly defy the curfew.
'A tool that's not only needed but necessary'
Neither the Liberals nor the NDP are impressed with the idea.
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil calls it "silly."
New Democrat candidate Maureen MacDonald said the Tories should be focusing their attention on youth who are under court-ordered supervision.
"They can't do the job now. Why would they throw this blanket kind of requirement over the whole youth population? They need to set some priorities. That's what being government is all about — having priorities and sticking to them," she said.
Maureen MacDonald said a government-commissioned report found there is inadequate supervision for youth who are under court order or are on probation.
Several communities around the country have brought in curfews to try to curb vandalism and other crimes.
In 2007, the city of Thompson, Man., ended its curfew after lawyers for two mothers and a 17-year-old boy filed a constitutional challenge, arguing it violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by discriminating against all children and teenagers.
In Sault Ste. Marie last year, a city councillor withdrew his motion for a curfew after a city lawyer advised that it couldn't be enforced.
Though attempts at a curfew have failed in some places, Rodney MacDonald said it's still worth trying in Nova Scotia.
"We believe that this is a tool that's not only needed but necessary. When you see the crimes that we have seen in the last few weeks, I'm sure there's not a senior citizen or a community member that wouldn't agree," he said.
