Pubdate: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 Source: Outlook, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Outlook Contact: http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1433 Authors: Justin Beddall, Jennifer Maloney Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) TACKLING METH AND GUNS This week, two more questions for the North Shore's federal election candidates. QUESTION: How do you suggest tackling the crystal meth epidemic plaguing the Lower Mainland? John Weston, Conservative "A Conservative government will ensure offenders caught trafficking, importing/exporting or producing crystal meth will face mandatory minimum prison sentences. They won't get a slap on the wrist; they'll get serious jail time. A Conservative government will also make the raw materials in crystal meth, such as pseudoephedrine, harder to obtain." Blair Wilson, Liberal "I fully support Vancouver's 'Four Pillars Program' on this issue. This program is intelligent and well thought out. I'd like to introduce the idea of transition programs that assist recovering meth addicts in staying clean, and would enable them to re-integrate into the working community through a variety of means." Judith Wilson, NDP "This problem is not just plaguing the Lower Mainland. It exists in all of our communities. The biggest problem with crystal meth is its easy accessibility. Because of this, prevention through education programs and through addressing the social roots of poverty are the only realistic interventions." Silvaine Zimmerman, Green "Probable causes: boredom, frustration, sense of meaninglessness. Immediate measures: four pillars plus put relevance in to life/school system. Appropriate awareness training about symptoms of problems. Create more spaces/money for rehabilitation facilities. Long term: restructure society so that both parents can work part time and be good parents." Jim Stephenson, Green "Crystal meth is a complex problem requiring action on many fronts. There is no panacea. First, educate young people that crystal meth is unusually addictive and dangerous. Second, restrict production by controlling access to its ingredients. Third, facilitate access to treatment for those who need it." Sherry Shaghaghi, NDP "The problems of gun violence and crime are linked to the problems caused by drug addiction and poverty. We're calling for two steps against crystal meth: First, stop the illegitimate importation and sale of the precursor chemicals used for making crystal meth. That will help cut off the supply. Second, strengthen efforts of social service agencies so they can deal with the growth of crystal meth and save the lives this drug is destroying." Don Bell, Liberal "Tackling this growing epidemic requires innovative solutions and co-operation among law enforcement officials, government, business, schools and individuals. I have met with persons in North Vancouver who are involved in the fight against Crystal Meth. I strongly support their creative, effective approach designed to educate and protect our citizens and our youth." Cindy Silver, Conservative "As co-chair of the North Shore Crystal Meth Task Force, our community is taking the lead in combating the growing crisis surrounding crystal meth through community awareness, education for youth, treatment & rehabilitation strategies, and working with law enforcement and retailers to crack down on the production and sale of meth and its ingredients. As your MP, I advocate for the federal government to put more money toward law enforcement measures, prevention and treatment." QUESTION: Do you support tougher firearm laws and sentencing? John Weston, Conservative "A Conservative government will introduce a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years for major firearms offences. We'll crack down on firearms smuggling and toughen border-crossing security. We'll fill more than 1,000 vacant RCMP positions. The Liberals are soft on crime with weak parole laws and scant punishment for offenders." Blair Wilson, Liberal "Would more laws and different sentences actually deter criminal behaviour? Not necessarily. We have to be careful not to overload our penal system. That's a quick fix, that won't work. I support the police at a municipal level. Laws and sentences alone won't be enough. I support the integrated approach." Judith Wilson, NDP "There is no place for handguns and automatic weapons on the streets. Jack Layton has already announced the NDP plan to impose a four year sentence for possessing restricted firearms, and for importing illegal guns. I support this policy." Silvaine Zimmerman, Green "Yes, but it depends on what firearms and how used. Use restorative justice where appropriate, but when dealing with mentally challenged, violent offenders, don't release them back into society -- treat their illness as much as possible and give them meaningful work, but keep them out of circulation." Jim Stephenson, Green "A war on guns at the US border is unlikely to be any more effective than the war on drugs. We should expand and enforce laws restricting carrying and transporting guns, and the purchase of ammunition. Informing parents of gang activities and their children's activities, and tougher sentencing are also components of a comprehensive solution." Sherry Shaghaghi, NDP "Jack Layton has just released a set of proposals that I completely support: * a four-year minimum sentence for illegal possession and sale of restricted weapons. * a four-year minimum sentence for importing illegal guns, and toughening our border controls. * no bail for those charged with gun-related crimes unless they can prove they won't be a danger if released on bail. * improved witness-protection programs, so witnesses can help police without fearing retribution. Don Bell, Liberal "Absolutely. Local law enforcement professionals tell me that the biggest problem is not recreational registered handgun owners, but illegal handguns that are being exchanged across the border for drugs. I will support federal legislation that reflects this reality, and includes stiffer mandatory penalties for persons in possession of illegal guns, and more police resources, particularly at the border." Cindy Silver, Conservative "A Conservative government will scrap the gun registry because it is wasting billions of dollars and is not reducing gun violence. We will invest this money in increasing police officers, strengthening our justice system and instituting mandatory minimum sentences for serious violent offences including those involving firearms. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom