CBC News has learned that Canada's federal government will scrap the controversial Young Offenders Act, and replace it with a tougher Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Under the new act, violent offenders will face stiffer penalties. Furthermore, the age at which young offenders can be given adult sentences will be lowered from 16 to 14.

Parents of young offenders also face up to two years in jail if they promise to supervise a young offender but fail in the task.

Justice Minister Anne McLellan Justice Minister Anne McLellan has said many times "the old act is flawed."

The new act will have more than just stiff punishment -- Ottawa wants young people who commit minor offences to face gentler sentences than prison. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, Ottawa will spend about $206 million on community-based alternatives to jail.

A new mandatory period of intensive supervision will also be imposed on all young offenders following their release from jail. The policy is designed to prevent a return to crime, and will last half the length of the original jail sentence.

The Young Offenders Act has attracted strong criticism ever since it came into force 15 years ago, with many people believing it is too gentle with young criminals.

Young people in Canada are thrown into jail at four times the rate of adults, and twice the rate of most U.S. states.

The new act is expected to be announced in Ottawa on Thursday.