Scan this: Alberta’s Opposition offers criminals mock ‘no-prosecution’ coupons

EDMONTON – Alberta’s justice minister is demanding an apology from the Opposition Wildrose for distributing mock coupons promising one free crime without prosecution.

Jonathan Denis (DEHN’-iss) says the coupons are childish and mislead the public.

They feature a picture of a dour-faced Premier Alison Redford, a smiling Denis, a bar code and instructions to present the coupon upon arrest.

The Wildrose coupons are meant to satirize the government’s plan, announced in last week’s budget, to divert first-time offenders for petty crimes to alternative measures programs instead of the courts.

The Wildrose calls the plan a — quote — “hug-a-thug” approach to crime that will make communities less safe.

Denis says alternative measures are just one option for prosecutors and they can still prosecute on a first offence if they choose.