Pubdate: Wed, 05 Apr 2006 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2006 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: Lindor Reynolds Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Stephen+Harper OTTAWA SINGS RIGHT TUNE ON JUSTICE VIC Toews dropped the dime on Canadian criminals yesterday, promising lengthy mandatory prison terms for drug traffickers and the elimination of conditional sentences for violent criminals and repeat offenders. Canada's justice minister also hinted that Winnipeg could see as many as 45 new police officers, a means of supporting the continued efforts of Operation Clean Sweep. While Toews said the new measures would not be "draconian," he implied the effects would be immediately felt in communities across Canada. "We want to make sure Canadians are protected as quickly as possible," said the Manitoba MP in a phone interview after yesterday's throne speech. "We believe there will be an appreciable measure of security seen." Law and order is a big seller with Canadians these days. The justice system has long been seen as a revolving door with scofflaws thumbing their noses at cops and average people. Here at home, Winnipeggers are still furious that Ryan Sorensen, 21, had his one-year jail term reduced to an 18-month conditional sentence. Sorenson was found guilty of a well-planned knifepoint attack against two young McDonald's employees. Sorenson had sent an e-mail to friends inviting them to come to court to watch him seek "sweet, sweet house arrest." The Conservatives have heard our anger. They are still short on specifics but they're humming the right tune. "We will be addressing the issue of mandatory minimum sentences and house arrest," Toews said. "I'm optimistic. We're looking at at least a mandatory minimum for the use of firearms." That minimum will likely be between five and seven years, he said, adding that the proposal will require the support of the NDP. He'd like to follow the American model of dealing with drug dealers, especially those who sell crystal meth. "They've taken a multi-faceted approach involving education, health and tough sentencing. "Those who want to kill our children should be off the street." A national drug strategy will also be put in place, focusing on keeping kids off drugs and away from gangs. He offered no specifics other than the party's continued refusal to legalize marijuana. Toews reiterated the commitment he and Prime Minister Stephen Harper have made to dismantle the long-gun registry, calling it a failure. The money saved with be used to fill vacant RCMP positions, he said. "You don't only pass the laws, you make sure the local authorities have the resources," he said. He has had conversations with Mayor Sam Katz, he said, and supports Clean Sweep. The government plans to create another 2,500 municipal and provincial police positions, he said, and said he knows Katz would like to see an additional 45 cops on the street. The promises are as controversial as mom and apple pie. Canadians are sick and tired of watching criminals run roughshod over our cities. We want justice to be done. We want our streets to be safe. We want our children protected from drugs. If this is how it's done, woe be to any party who steps in the way. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake