Canada PM Touts Longer Life Sentences

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Wednesday upcoming legislation that would add an extra 10 years to life sentences, while making parole decisions political for "the most hardened criminals."

The proposal to extend life sentences from 25 to 35 years comes ahead of October elections that will undoubtedly see Harper once again champion stiffer penalties for criminals all around.

The strategy appeals to his Conservatives' political base and has been applied in the past three elections.

Harper said the bill would be unveiled next week and is expected to be passed before parliament breaks for the summer.

"The fact is, there are certain criminals that should never, ever be allowed to walk the street where you and your neighbors live and work," he said.

"And there are certain crimes so repulsive that only a life-long punishment adequately reflects their truly horrific nature."

It also takes responsibility away from a parole board for releasing "the most hardened criminals" early and puts it in the hands of the minister of public safety and the cabinet.

Reacting to the plan, opposition parties accused Harper of seeking to dismantle a corrections system designed to rehabilitate offenders, and emphasize punishment instead.

This will lead to more people being jailed, and for longer periods, putting increased pressure on already overpopulated prisons, they warned.