Pubdate: Wed, 28 Nov 2007 Source: Revelstoke Times Review (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Bowes Publishers Contact: http://www.revelstoketimesreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2139 Author: Jim Abbott Note: Jim Abbott is the Conservative Party MP for the federal riding of Kootenay Columbia. OTTAWA WANTS TO CRACK DOWN ON DRUG CRIME Constituents have recently approached me about the issue of street drugs, right here in the Kootenays. Kootenay Columbia families, like all Canadian families, deserve to feel safe, to know that criminals will be held accountable for their actions. They want to be sure that we are doing everything we can do to protect our children from the vicious cycle of drugs and crime. Too many families know the pain and hardship of having a loved one fall victim to a drug addiction. Unfortunately, too many of our neighborhoods and communities are being endangered by violence that is fueled by drugs. Families expect their government will use every tool at its disposal to ensure that illegal drugs are kept off our streets. That's why the Harper Government will give our police the necessary tools they need to protect Canadians and ensure that our laws reflect the menace of growing drug crime. As part of a law proposed and proceeding though Parliament, Bill C-2, the Harper government is proposing tough new penalties for those who choose to drive while under the influence of drugs. In addition, the Harper government has shown leadership by introducing the National Anti-Drug Strategy that will: . Discourage illegal drug use in young people; . Treat individuals who have drug addictions; and . Crack down on illegal drug crime. As part of that strategy, the Harper government also introduced tougher criminal penalties for those convicted of drug related crimes. In contrast, over the last thirteen years, the former government not only ignored these problems, they actually made them worse by proposing relaxed drug laws that sent mixed messages on the harm that drugs cause. When it comes to fighting drug offences and other serious crimes, the choice Canadians have is clear. The other political parties continue to put innocent families at risk by denying the problem and hiding behind the weak protections of the status quo. In contrast, the Harper government stands up for our children, our families, and law-abiding citizens by ensuring that drug criminals are stopped, caught and held accountable for their actions Jim Abbott is the Conservative Party MP for the federal riding of Kootenay Columbia. You can find his Website at www.jimabbott.ca. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek