OTTAWA - The Harper government supports a Tory MP's private member's bill that would create a new Criminal Code offence to crack down on gang recruitment.

Parm Gill introduced the Criminal Organization Recruitment Act, which would make it a criminal offence to recruit or encourage a person to join a criminal organization.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced Tuesday the government backs the legislation, which makes the bill's passage into law almost a guarantee.

Gill's bill proposes a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of six months in jail if an individual is found guilty of recruiting someone under 18 years of age.

"Gang members continue to expand in terms of numbers and power through constant recruitment initiatives," Gill said. "These individuals have a blatant disregard for the safety, security and well-being of law-abiding Canadians. It is a behaviour that cannot be tolerated."

Law and order is a staple of the Conservative government, which campaigned heavily on the issue during the last election.

The Tories used their majority power to pass their omnibus crime bill within the first 100 sitting days of Parliament despite loud cries from opposition parties.