Pubdate: Thu, 10 Feb 2011
Source: Humber Et Cetera (Humber College, CN ON Edu)
Contact: http://humberetc.com/contact/newsroom/
Copyright: 2011 Humber Et Cetera
Website: http://www.humberetc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3126
Author: Caitlin Decarie
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

DRUG BILL TOO HARSH

Proposed mandatory prison sentences for drug use and trafficking are 
too harsh for all but hardened criminals, said the head of a 
nation-wide students advocacy group.

Criminalization (of drugs) has failed and it is time to start a 
sensible drug policy," said Caleb Chepesiuk, executive director of 
Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, commenting on Bill S-10 
which is being debated in parliament.

The group is a grassroots organization based in Ottawa and has 
university and college campus chapters across the country that are 
concerned about the negative impact Canada's drug policies have.

The Controlled Drug and Substances Act outlines that trafficking 
would be treated most stringently where youth might frequent, said 
Chapesiuk. "That could be anywhere."

Prison sentences for serious drug crimes should reflect the 
escalating danger that is created in within society, said the 
Department of Justice.

According to Health Canada, youth aged 15-24 use marijuana, ecstasy 
and painkillers more often than any other age group.

The bill proposes that trafficking would include selling and sharing 
drugs and "this is where students will get swept up," said Chapesiuk.

Trafficking would have an automatic two-year prison sentence and it 
does not offer the possibility of community service as an alternative.

Humber President John Davies said the justice system "should be open 
to different circumstances for different people."

Mandatory prison sentences are not a useful solution, he said.

Drug use and trafficking should be addressed before it becomes a 
problem, said Davies.

The bill was announced by Justice Minister Rob Nicholson in Montreal 
last Aug. 4.

Carole Saindon, from media relations for the Ministry, said there was 
nothing further to remark on the bill before there is further 
legislative debate.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom