Canada is too soft on organized crime

CTV News

LLOYD ROBERTSON: A top expert on organized crime says
Canada is too soft on the underworld. Antonio Nicaso told a meeting
of the Canadian Police Association in Ottawa today, that Canada is
the only country in the world that guarantees freedom of
association to criminals. CTV's Joy Malbon reports.

JOY MALBON (Reporter): It's frustrating for police. A brotherhood
of bikers. Members of Hells Angels publicly parading down the
streets of Vancouver on the weekend to bury one of their own.
Montreal crime reporter Michel Auger, himself a victim of the biker
wars was shot last fall. He says Canada's too soft on organized
crime.

MICHEL AUGER (Crime Reporter): We have to recognize in Canada
that organized crime is a problem and that's not the view shared by
politicians.

MALBON: Antonio Nicaso agrees. The mafia author and expert told
this police conference as many as 18 different organized crime
groups operate here. It's that easy.

ANTONIO NICASO (Organized Crime Expert): Canada is a free
market for the underworld.

MALBON: Nicaso uses the example of alleged mafia hit man Gaetano
Amodeo. A federal mix-up allowed him to roam free in Canada on and
off for about three years. But it's the increased violence and use
of threats and intimidation that have policemen like George Van
MacKelbergh ready to march to Parliament Hill to convince
politicians police need tougher laws.

GEORGE VAN MacKELBERGH (Anti Gang Investigator): We need
politicians to give us the tools.

MALBON: Like longer sentences. Tougher sentences for convicted
gangsters. And make it easier to obtain warrants and wiretaps.
Ottawa's launched a series of measures.

LAWRENCE MacAULAY (Solicitor General): Fighting organized crime.

MALBON: The Solicitor General says it's his number one priority.
But police say it's not enough.

GRANT OBST (Canadian Police Association): If any MP up there
thinks we'll pass that bill or we'll create that law and say okay
that's it for organized crime no.

MALBON: Tuesday, hundreds of police will lobby MPs and Senators
with a harsh message, that Canada's losing the war against
organized crime. A message they say must be delivered to the
doorsteps of politicians. Joy Malbon, CTV News, Ottawa.

ROBERTSON: And when we return. Rekindling hope, and reviving
faith through spiritual healing.

March 19, 2001