Pubdate: Tue, 18 Dec 2007
Source: Peace River Record-Gazette (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Peace River Record-Gazette
Contact:  http://www.prrecordgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1232
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

LOCAL MP'S CRYSTAL METH BILL BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Last week the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and 
Human Rights debated Peace River Member of Parliament Chris 
Warkentin's private member's bill to establish a new offence in the 
Criminal Code of Canada to deal with the growing problem of producing 
and trafficking of the illegal drug methamphetamine or crystal meth.

On Dec.11 Warkentin testified before the committee.

"It is incumbent, I believe, upon us as legislators to enact 
legislation that holds to account those who willingly produce, or 
support those who produce, this harmful substance," he said.

This piece of legislation has received broad-based support from 
organizations across the country. Also testifying before the Standing 
Committee on Justice and Human Rights was Diane McQueen, Mayor of 
Drayton Valley and member of the Alberta Premiers Task Force on 
Crystal Meth along with Andre Bigras, executive officer of the Drug 
Prevention Network of Canada.

"Indeed with this legislation, is yet another tool. I know you have 
other legislation as well, but it's another tool for (police) to draw 
on," said McQueen.

Bigras of the Drug Prevention Network was also supportive stating: 
"We applaud and support this bill 100 per cent."

During second reading in the House of Commons on June 14 Warkentin's 
Bill C-428 received unanimous support from all political parties.

The Committee will meet early in the new year to continue its 
consideration on this legislation.

"It is time to pass this important piece of legislation, so that we 
can further protect our youth and families from the devastating 
effects of crystal meth," said Warkentin.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom