Pubdate: Wed, 5 Dec 2007
Source: Cowichan News Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Cowichan News Leader
Contact:  http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1314
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

TOUGH NEW DRUG LAWS PROMISE JAIL TIME

Canadians caught trafficking drugs will spend mandatory time in jail 
if new federal Conservative legislation passes.

But critics of the plan say it will just add to prison overcrowding, 
while doing little do deter drug dealing.

"We already have existing laws to deal with these people who are a 
danger to society," said France Tellier, director for Nanaimo's John 
Howard Society. "And, in my view, prison is not a deterrent. (These 
laws) would just lead to more overcrowding in institutions."

The proposed changes are part of the government's election promise of 
cracking down on crime. Under the current Controlled Drugs and 
Substances Act, there is no mandatory jail time for people convicted. 
Historically, judges have been left to their own discretion when sentencing.

If the bill passes - the final reading is scheduled for Dec. 14 in 
the House of Commons - jail terms will include a two-year sentence 
for dealing cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines, a one-year term if 
convicted of dealing drugs with a weapon and a mandatory six-month 
sentence for growing marijuana with the purpose of distribution.

But the law will give judges the option of waiving mandatory jail 
time for some offenders in favour of drug treatment court programs. 
Drug treatment courts help non-violent offenders, many of whom are 
addicted and would benefit more from assistance than jail.

James Lunney, Conservative MP for Nanaimo-Alberni, said the 
legislation is designed to go after people and organizations at the 
root of Canada's drug supply system.

"We're going to get serious with these people who traffic drugs to 
citizens, especially to our young people," said Lunney. "Our message 
is we're going to crack down on crime and provide protection, 
something we campaigned for.

"People who traffic drugs will no longer have a simple fine - they'll 
serve jail time and lose their assets as well."

Jean Crowder, NDP MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan, said her party is 
concerned mandatory sentencing will put stress on provincial 
correction institutions.

More resources should go to prevention rather than enforcement, she said.

"It's an imbalanced approach," said Crowder. "We would rather see 
resources go toward education and awareness. In the U.S., where they 
have mandatory sentencing, many states are asking to reduce 
sentencing to reduce (prison) overcrowding. It's not a direction we 
want to go."

Lunney dismissed the Opposition's argument drug abuse is a health 
problem, not a criminal matter.

"I don't buy that for a minute," said Lunney. "The drug providers we 
are targeting are exploiting people at the cost of society." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake