CRIME ASSETS SEIZURE BILL AMONG 13 NEW LAWS

OTTAWA (CNS) -- The Senate cleared the decks for next week's anticipated
federal election campaign, fast-tracking 13 bills into law Friday. All got
royal assent

Bloc Quebecois justice critic Richard Marceau, a prime mover behind a new
law allowing the government to seize the assets of narcotics dealers and
other organized criminals unless those convicted can demonstrate that their
property is not the fruit of crime, hailed the passage of what are probably
the final laws of the 38th Parliament.

"It shows that Parliament can work when you push for what you really
believe in," Marceau said. "The bill will give tools to the police forces
and to the Crown to fight organized crime and drug dealers better . . ."

Three new specific offences will outlaw human trafficking.

Another bill will allow Canadians to place their names on a telemarketers'
"do-not-call" list.

Companies that ignore the prohibition will face fines of up to $15,000.

A law that will give home-heating rebates to low-income earners and public
transit funds to municipalities passed, as did whistle-blower protection.