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OTTAWA - The three sections of the new federal Tackling Violent Crime Act that came into force May 1 offer Canadians better protection, says Fundy Royal Conservative MP Rob Moore.

The sections raise the age of sexual consent to 16 from 14, increase mandatory sentences for serious gun crimes and reverse the onus on bail so that people accused of serious gun crimes will have to persuade a judge they shouldn't be jailed to await trial.

Moore said Thursday the provisions addressed serious weaknesses in criminal legislation. "We had people coming into Canada from other jurisdictions and targeting our young people."

The age of protection for sexual activity is already 16 in both the U.S. and the U.K.

The legislation includes a close-in-age exception that allows 14- and 15-year-olds to engage in consensual sex with a partner who is less than five years older.

The gun crime measures will increase penalties for repeat offenders. Tackling violent crime was one of the Conservatives' five priorities in the 2006 election.

Moore said he did not know whether the next campaign platform would include something on criminal justice but "the minister of justice has said repeatedly that when it comes to protecting Canadians and criminal justice, we're just getting started."

The government is moving ahead with new measures to fight auto theft and identity theft.

Moore is parliamentary secretary to Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, and oversaw the legislation through committee.