Canada is perceived as a safe country around the world and one in which we need to maintain.

News of a German tourist being shot near Morley, twelve days ago, made headlines around the country and overseas. While RCMP is still actively piecing together the puzzle, Banff-Airdrie, MP Blake Richards says we need to focus on the positive attributes Canada is known for.

Perceived as a safe country to visit, MP Richards shares it is important to remember how rare tragedies such as this occur in our country. "Things like this don't happen often and obviously we want to keep it that way. It is important that we get the message out that Canada is a safe place to visit and we do have great hospitality; this is a very unfortunate and tragic circumstance but one that is not common in our Country."

Not making assumptions about this particular case, Richards will continue to focus on driving policy change to reduce violent crime in our communities. "From my perspective, one thing our justice system really lacks is ensuring we deal with those who are misusing firearms and the violent repeat type of offenders. It is something that we really have to improve upon in our country to make sure we can all feel safe."

Richards has been working arm and arm with Airdrie, MLA Angela Pitt, RCMP and a number of other agencies to let community members know that safety is a top priority and reform to the judicial system needs to occur so repeat offenders are not slapped on the wrist. 

Maintaining the image that Canada is indeed a safe place to visit and call home is something Richards will continue to endorse.

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