Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN) Copyright: 2005 The Leader-Post Ltd. Contact: http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361 Author: Dave Batters Note: Batters is Conservative MP for Palliser. LIBERALS MUM ON CRYSTAL METH I write regarding Tom Brewer's letter, "Federal politicians oblivious to crystal meth" in the July 4 edition of the Leader-Post. As a federal MP who has fought for months to have crystal meth reclassified as a dangerous drug, I share Brewer's frustration with the federal Liberal government's reluctance to toughen penalties for trafficking crystal meth. On three separate occasions during Question Period in the House of Commons, I have pressed the minister of Justice to take action to reclassify crystal meth as a Schedule 1 drug. Currently, judges are limited in the sentences they can impose on offenders because the government has classified crystal meth as a less-serious, Schedule 3 drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, instead of a Schedule 1 drug like heroin or cocaine. However, toughening penalties for criminals doesn't appear to be a priority for the Liberals. In February, federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, promised to respond to this issue by June. June has now come and gone, and the Liberal government has still failed to act. Now, it says this matter will be studied until the fall. Like Brewer, I, too, believe politicians of all stripes need to work together to solve the growing meth crisis. As I told the Justice Minister in Question Period, "the only Canadians who would not support reclassifying crystal meth are crystal meth traffickers." To ensure the safety of families and communities affected by the spread of this deadly and highly addictive drug, I have taken steps to put forward a bill to have crystal meth reclassified as a dangerous drug. In addition, the Conservative Party's crystal meth caucus, of which I am a member, will continue to press the government to undertake a comprehensive strategy to combat crystal meth. Last month, I asked to attend a western Justice and Health ministers conference held in Regina on crystal meth. Unfortunately, Premier Lorne Calvert did not allow my attendance. This was odd, given that many of the changes that were called for at this meeting can only be achieved in Ottawa. Clearly, partisan politics should not play a role in this issue. I will continue to work with members of the provincial NDP government, the opposition Saskatchewan Party, Mayor Pat Fiacco, law enforcement officers, community leaders and parents to press the federal Liberal government to protect our children, and rid our cities of crystal meth. Dave Batters Batters is Conservative MP for Palliser. Regina - --- MAP posted-by: Beth