Pubdate: Tue, 10 Nov 2009
Source: Powell River Peak (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Peak Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.prpeak.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/734
Author:  Ian Jacques

JOHN WESTON INTRODUCES DRUG BILL

Bill C-475 Targets Ecstasy And Crystal Meth

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 past week thanks to MP for 
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country John Weston.

Weston introduced Bill C-475 on November 2 in the House. The bill, 
introduced previously in a slightly different form by MP for Peace 
River Chris Warkentin, originally attracted unanimous support in the 
House 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 the highly addictive drugs.

Weston said when the attorney general asked him to introduce the bill 
last week he leapt at the opportunity. "We're standing up for 
kids-kids who are getting into trouble with drugs," he said. "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 kinds 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," added Weston. "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