Ontario is set to introduce a lifetime driving ban for individuals convicted of dangerous driving causing death, part of a sweeping justice bill tabled Tuesday. The legislation includes measures known as Andrew’s Law, named in memory of Andrew Cristillo, a 35-year-old father killed in a head-on collision earlier this year.
Cristillo’s wife and three young daughters survived the crash in Whitchurch-Stouffville but were seriously injured. The driver, 18-year-old Jaiwin Kirubananthan, faces multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing death, three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failing to remain at an accident resulting in death, and public mischief. Kirubananthan had previously been charged in a separate incident after striking an OPP vehicle carrying Premier Doug Ford on Highway 401 in January.
Andrew’s brother, Jordan Cristillo, has pushed for stricter penalties on repeat offenders following the tragedy. “One choice or lapse of judgment is a life sentence for a family,” he said Tuesday. “When you make these choices, the result could be an empty chair at a dining table for life. We all share the roads and must trust others with our lives.”
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner emphasized the government’s firm stance on dangerous driving. “There’s no excuse, not ever, for impaired or dangerous driving,” he said. “Our government will not tolerate it. Those who endanger others will face real consequences.”
Under the proposed legislation, police will have the authority to immediately suspend a driver’s licence for 90 days and impound vehicles when dangerous driving is suspected. The law also introduces a tiered system of fines and impoundments: first offences carry a 14-day suspension and fines between $2,000 and $10,000; second offences trigger a 30-day suspension and up to $15,000 in fines; subsequent violations could see fines of $20,000 and a 45-day impound.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria highlighted the importance of immediate suspensions, noting that it addresses a gap in the current system. The bill also proposes enhanced road safety education for young drivers and increased penalties for distracted driving.
The Cristillo family’s recommendations have been incorporated into a larger justice bill covering issues ranging from animal testing to bail reform and new procedures in Ontario’s correctional facilities. The legislation was tabled Tuesday afternoon and must undergo debate before becoming law.
