Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson was preaching to the converted when he made a tough-on-crime announcement in Metro Vancouver, which has been in the throes of a violent gang war for three months.

Legislation introduced by the Conservative government Friday would see criminals doing more time behind bars, wiping out the current two-for-one sentencing credit given to those who spend time in jail before conviction.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson made the announcement outside the Surrey, B.C., pre-trial centre, alongside politicians and Lower Mainland police chiefs who have been trying to calm public fears after more than 40 shootings and 17 fatalities since late January.

"You know the challenges in fighting crime," Nicholson told the group. "There have been numerous shootings here and in other parts of Canada.

"I want Canada to have confidence in the justice system."

If the legislation passes, the general sentencing rule would count on a one-for-one basis.

Double time has been given to compensate criminals while they await trial in overcrowded provincial jails which lack rehabilitation programs.

The law would allow for a one-and-a-half-to-one ratio in circumstances where a judge could justify the higher ratio.

Nicholson said the two-for-one credit sends the wrong message to criminals.

B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal said the new law would give more credibility to the justice system.

"This is very good law, because it addresses the subject of accountability," he said.

Oppal, who's a former B.C. Supreme and Appeal Court justice, told reporters he knew of instances where some inmates didn't bother to apply for bail because the longer they stay in pre-trial, the shorter their sentences would be.

Vancouver Police Chief Const. Jim Chu welcomed the new legislation.

"The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs has long been asking for this. This legislation is important to keep the community safe and it will provide greater deterrence," Chu said.

Earlier this month Chu admitted the Metro Vancouver area was in the middle of a "brutal" gang war.

Nicholson called on all parties in Parliament to provide unanimous consent for quick passage of the bill.

The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois have already said they have general support for the aims of the bill, but don't plan to rubber stamp it.