Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jul 2008
Source: Seaway News (CN ON)
Column: MP Update
Copyright: 2008 Media Transcontinental 2008
Contact:  http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3815
Author: Guy Lauzon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

CRACKING DOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVING

Few acts are as dangerous as driving a car while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.  Every year, far too many Canadians are seriously
injured or killed due to the irresponsible actions of impaired drivers

That is why the Conservative Government is taking real action. Under
new rules that took effect earlier this month, those who are caught
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are subject to much
more severe penalties, including higher maximum sentences and
mandatory jail time for repeat offenders.

The Conservative Government is also empowering law enforcement
professionals to stop impaired drivers before they can do any harm.
Police will now have access to the tools they need to test if someone
is under the influence of drugs. Those who drive while stoned are as
much a risk as those who drive drunk.  The Conservative Government's
new law sends a clear message: drug-impaired driving will not be tolerated.

Anti drunk-driving advocates have praised the Conservative
Government's new rules. Margaret Miller, National President of Mothers
Against Drunk Driving, said, "With greater public awareness and the
new federal laws, our hope is that we can all enjoy the summer without
any needless death or injury as a result of impaired driving."

The Conservative Government's commitment to get tough on drug
criminals stands in stark contrast to the weak, turn-a-blind-eye
approach of the previous Liberal government. During their 13 years in
office, the Liberals failed to take the dangers of drug use seriously;
they even went so far as to propose laws that would decriminalize
certain recreational drugs. This soft-on-crime approach continued
under Stephane Dion when he allowed his caucus to play political games
that delayed by months the passage of these crucial new laws.

While the Stephane Dion Liberals continue to make excuses for their
record of weak leadership and inaction, Prime Minister Stephen Harper
and the Conservative Government will continue to deliver.

Real Leadership. Real Results. Safer Streets for all Canadians.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake