Youth gangs are not a new phenomenon in Canada. Theoretical and empirical research and evaluation efforts continue with the goal of better understanding and responding to this issue. Advances have been made in defining the nature of youth gangs and their activities, the motivations for joining, and the risk and protective factors that influence involvement in a gang lifestyle.
While a precise measure of youth gang involvement and prevalence of their activities in Canada is not currently available, in the last number of years strides have been made in understanding affiliation among several key populations, namely Aboriginal youth, immigrant youth and young women. Greater insight into specific risk factors, pathways to involvement and assistance, and guidance for prevention and intervention efforts can assist in the future development of solutions to address youth gang involvement and gang-related activities in Canada. Public Safety Canada continues to support effective youth gang prevention and intervention strategies that are known to work based on empirical evidence and lessons learned from past implementation and evaluation experiences.
In Atlantic Canada, the Bacchus outlaw motorcycle club runs the drug trade, according to police biker crime specialists. In the West, bullets fly when the Red Scorpions clash with the United Nations crew. In the Prairies, the White Boy Posse’s migration east from Edmonton has spilled blood in Saskatchewan.
Gang activity even blights Ottawa, one of the world’s safest cities.
The capital logged a record 49 shootings in 2014, prompting police to address concerns about gangland disputes. Among those incidents was a targeted Boxing Day shooting that wounded one man during what investigators called “infighting” between members of the Crips.
THE NATURE OF GUNS AND OFFENCES THAT GANGS ARE LIKELY TO COMMIT.
According to the criminal code, as outlined in the Constitution, there are various offences that are likely to be committed by gangs while in possession of guns. For instance, these gangs are likely to psyche themselves up and may end up engaging in uncouth behaviors that violate other people’s rights.
For example:
- Being in possession of unauthorized weapons.
- Inappropriate usage of weapons.
- Watering of guns serial numbers to conceal identity.
- Committing assault with the gun.
- Engaging in sexual assault with the gun.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE PENALTIES?
According to the weapons act and the legal restrictions, a gang found to possess unlicensed guns may face five years each in jail. It only applies to first incidence occurrence; else if the culprits are found for a second or a third time, a jail term of not less than ten years may be applied. The guns and gangs law firm Burlington may come up with possible ways to free the gangs from facing the long jail term as some members may be innocent.
However, under the watchful eye of criminal defense counsel, the courts may allow gangs to use the guns for various events such as competitions; club games and sports as long as they are legitimate.