I am writing to ask that your ministries consider how fines are assigned federally and provincially. Financial penalties for minor crimes and public inconvenience do not discourage offences equally across socio-economic difference. Fixed-rate fines are remarkably less consequential for those of affluence and privilege.
Calculating the value of a fine as a percentage of income ensures that punishment is proportionate across all offences. Finnish law approaches fines in this way. Pragmatically, this policy shift creates potential for public revenue and encourages replacing punitive measures with a public health response to poverty crimes.
Thank you for your consideration,
D$$
