Pubdate: Thu, 03 Jun 2010
Source: Orillia Today (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact: http://www.simcoe.com/generalform
Website: http://www.simcoe.com/community/simcoenorth
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1508
Author: Frank Matys

PROTECT KIDS FROM GROW-OPS: MPP

ORILLIA - Exposing children to dangers associated with illegal drug 
production is a form of child abuse and should be punished 
accordingly, Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop says.

"If we truly care about our children, we should do everything 
possible to prevent their exposure to the many dangers and health 
risks associated with making illegal drugs," said Dunlop, community 
safety critic.

Dunlop is this week introducing a private member's bill that would 
amend the Child and Family Services Act by making it an offence "to 
drug-endanger a child.

"They would have power to take the child out from the possession of 
the parents and hand it over to the Children's Aid (Society)," he 
added. "They would have the power to charge the person with 
endangering a child. The penalty could be up to a $2,000 fine and up 
to two years in jail."

The measures would apply to those found manufacturing drugs for the 
purpose of trafficking and not casual users, he said.

"We can't get into (taking away the children of) somebody that has a 
couple of pots of marijuana plants growing somewhere for their own 
personal use," he said. "That would be half the planet, for all we know."

Children living in homes with illegal drug labs can be exposed to any 
number of dangers, including toxic fumes, mold and fire hazards, he added.

Children "deserve better than growing up in a grow-op, or having 
their meals cooked in a crystal meth kitchen," he added.

Dunlop has the support of several high-ranking law enforcement 
officials who had been lobbying for new penalties targeting those who 
put children in harm's way.

"Police need strong legislation to help save innocent children across 
Ontario from being used as props to legitimize illegal drug 
operations, while being exposed to toxic fumes, potential fire 
hazards, organized crime, and other health, well-being and safety 
threats," said Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner.

Dunlop has also heard from admirers of the illicit herb.

"We had a couple of potheads e-mail us and say, 'I smoke pot 
regularly and your bill is nuts,'" he added.

Dunlop said the province of Alberta has enforced similar legislation since 2006.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart