Pubdate: Sun, 09 Aug 2009
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Scott Bruce

SENATE TOO SLOW ON SENTENCING LAW

I learned with shock that Canada has become a major player in the 
supply of illegal drugs, according to the United Nations Drug report 
released on June 24. It seems this report suggested more stringent 
regulations in the U.S. has forced production to migrate to Canada, 
due to weaker laws regarding the production and distribution of these 
drugs. As a father of two young school-age children this concerns me 
greatly. Last month, I attended my eldest daughter's final assembly 
at her elementary school. Next year she'll be attending the middle 
school in our neighbourhood. Now that she'll be going to a larger 
school with older children, there is a greater chance that she may 
come into contact with people involved in trafficking or using 
illegal drugs and this worries me.

Bill C-15 would enforce minimum mandatory jail sentences for anyone 
selling drugs near a school. I believe that this is a step in the 
right direction. Now that this bill has passed the House of Commons, 
it is up to the Senate to pass this legislation. Second reading 
debate was opened on June 16; however, on June 22 the 
Liberal-dominated Senate started its summer break leaving 
consideration of the bill for the fall session, I believe this smacks 
of political gamesmanship at the cost of our children's safety.

Scott Bruce

Victoria
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