In Alberta in the year 2005, 25 percent of youths in Grades 7 through 12 reported using illicit drugs, and that is excluding marijuana. Illegal drug use is a problem that has run rampant in many Canadian communities over the years. Yellowhead is no different. Many of us have seen the negative effects of illegal drug use on our young people. I have raised this issue multiple times in Ottawa, bringing forward legislation to increase drug related penalties. The Conservative government campaigned to address this issue and we are following through on our commitments. [continues 364 words]
It has been a busy time in Ottawa. The House Committee has just passed a massive reform to the criminal justice system requiring mandatory minimum sentences for violent crimes, and raising the age of protection from 14 to 16. Our Conservative government has taken action on justice reform, but we believe that there is more to be done. We have recently introduced three justice bills to tackle young offenders, require mandatory minimum sentences for drug dealers, and crack down on identity theft. [continues 406 words]
Mayerthorpe Freelancer -- This past week I was in the riding for Easter, to meet with constituents, and to take part in a crime prevention workshop. "Take Back our Community" brought representatives from Hinton, Edson, Grande Cache, Jasper, and provincial and federal governments together in a co-ordinated effort to figure out how to prevent crime before it happens. It was encouraging to see all levels of government represented at the table as we looked at how to coordinate our efforts to bring about solutions to Yellowhead's crime problems. [continues 340 words]
Mayerthorpe Freelancer -- Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, Rob Merrifield has introduced Private Members Bill C-528, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (substances used in the production of methamphetamine). This legislation will provide the RCMP with clearly enforceable legislation to control the chemicals necessary for the production of crystal meth. "The increase in the use of the drug methamphetamine (crystal meth) has been a problem in communities throughout our area," said Merrifield. "Methamphetamine use is increasing despite the best community and police efforts to fight the spread of illegal meth labs." [continues 178 words]
From Parliament Hill Jasper Booster - Recently, Health Canada released an alarming report on teen drug use. It showed that almost 85,000 Canadian teens between the ages of 12 and 19 smoke marijuana daily, and that in 2003 34 percent of teens had tried marijuana more than once - a dramatic spike from 1993 levels of 13 per cent. Here in Yellowhead, we are witnessing first-hand the negative effects of increased teen drug use in our schools and on our streets. Drug users and the criminal element that closely follows are tarnishing both our image as a safe place to raise families and the reputation of the majority of youth who have responsibly stayed away from drugs. [continues 414 words]
Alarming Report On Teen Drug Use Mayerthorpe Freelancer - Last week, Health Canada released an alarming report on teen drug use. It showed that almost 85,000 Canadian teens between the ages of twelve and nineteen smoke marijuana daily, and that in 2003 thirty-four percent of teens had tried marijuana more than once -- a dramatic hike from 1993 levels of thirteen per cent. Here in Yellowhead, we are witnessing first-hand the negative effects of increased teen drug use in our schools and on our streets. [continues 490 words]
MP's Corner Jasper Booster - Recently, Health Canada released an alarming report on teen drug use. It showed that almost 85,000 Canadian teens between the ages of 12 and 19 smoke marijuana daily, and that in 2003 34 percent of teens had tried marijuana more than once - a dramatic spike from 1993 levels of 13 per cent. Here in Yellowhead, we are witnessing first-hand the negative effects of increased teen drug use in our schools and on our streets. Drug users and the criminal element that closely follows are tarnishing both our image as a safe place to raise families and the reputation of the majority of youth who have responsibly stayed away from drugs. [continues 414 words]
MP's Corner Jasper Booster--Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, Rob Merrifield is concerned with the federal Liberals decision to soften Canada's marijuana possession laws. Bill C-38 will decriminalize possession of "small" amounts of marijuana. The ticket threshold would be 15 grams, and police officers would have the option of pursuing a summary conviction or a small criminal charge between 15 and 30 grams. No criminal records would be attached to those who are only given fines. Here are Merrifield's thoughts one the issue: [continues 337 words]
