Prime Minister Stephen Harper had strong words for critics of the tough anti-crime legislation introduced by his Conservative government today.

“The truth of the matter is those who say that tougher penalties on perpetrators do not work don’t want them to,” he told a crowd of supporters and media in Burnaby.

Under the new laws, offenders charged with gang-related killings would face at least 25 years in prison with no parole, while those convicted of drive-by shootings would serve minimum jail terms of four years.

Harper said the legislation is necessary to clamp down on gang violence and make Canada safer. Though many crime experts have argued stiffer sentences do little to deter criminals, the Prime Minister was adamant that Canadians would support his party’s stance.

"We got elected because we know the people of Canada want us to take a tougher stand on crime, want us to deal toughly with those who perpetrate these crimes," he said.

New Democratic Party MP for New Westminster-Coquitlam Dawn Black said the federal government needs a more holistic approach to crime that diverts kids from joining gangs.

“This bill will make a small improvement, but it doesn’t go far enough,” she said.

With a file from Andrew MacLeod.