Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is defending the Safe Streets Act, which was passed through the House of Commons this week. The Kenora Lawyers Sentencing Group has been outspoken about the impact the bill will have on young offenders and aboriginal people who run afoul of the law. Rickford says they consulted widely on the bill and is satisfied that most Canadians support tougher sentences for criminals. Rickford says the bill provides better protection for children from sexual predators and tougher sentences for drug crimes.