Pubdate: Fri, 06 Nov 2009
Source: Coast Reporter (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Coast Reporter
Contact:  http://www.coastreporter.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/580
Author: Ian Jacques

WESTON INTRODUCES DRUG BILL

A private member's bill aimed at giving Canadian law enforcement the 
necessary tools to deal with ecstasy and crystal meth passed its 
first test in the House of Commons this week thanks to area member of 
Parliament John Weston.

Weston, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, 
introduced Bill C-475 on Monday, Nov. 2, in the House of Commons. The 
bill, introduced previously in a slightly different form by Peace 
River MP Chris Warkentin, originally attracted unanimous support in 
the House of Commons and broad acclaim from law enforcement officers, 
educators, parents and others across Canada. The bill got to second 
reading in the Senate before it was stalled when the last election was called.

The bill creates a new offence for the procurement of ingredients 
with the intent to manufacture either of these highly addictive drugs.

Weston said when the attorney general asked him to introduce the bill 
last week, he leaped at the opportunity.

"We're standing up for kids - kids who are getting into trouble with 
drugs," said Weston during an interview on Wednesday, Nov. 4. "This 
bill is important, but especially important to parents, of which I am 
one. Every parent has to consider how you can prevent your kids from 
getting hooked on drugs. No family, no matter what their income 
level, is immune. We hear about all kids of families in my riding and 
ridings across Canada being victimized because of this."

Weston said he has met with the three opposition justice critics and 
they have indicated they are in favour of the bill.

"Chris [Warkentin] got it up to second reading in the Senate after 
unanimous consent in the House. I'm fully confident I will get 
unanimous consent in the House again," Weston said. "Given its 
intent, which is to protect youth, and the good rapport I have with 
these three MPs, it has a good chance of getting multi-party support."

Weston said he expects debate on the bill in the next three months, 
then the bill will be turned over to the Justice and Human Rights 
Committee, followed by second reading in the House and ultimately to 
the Senate. He added he hopes to expedite the process given the 
indicated support of the bill by opposition MPs.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart