BURNABY, BC – Conservative leader Stephen Harper emerged from a meeting with Canadians who have been seriously impacted by drug crime and announced a positive plan of action to deal with it, including mandatory minimum sentences for the most serious drug crimes.
Canada has an enviable record as a remarkably peaceful and orderly society, even in our largest urban areas. Most Canadians believe that our safe streets and safe communities have been one of those special characteristics that define the Canadian way of life.
“If we want to get drugs off our streets, away from our schools, and out of our neighbourhoods, we cannot turn a blind eye to the problem or rely on phoney rhetoric without real action,” Harper said. “We need to stand up for our way of life.”
Under Harper’s plan, offenders involved with trafficking, importing/exporting, or producing the most addictive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, and large amounts (over 3 kg) of marijuana or hashish, would face mandatory minimum prison sentences of at least two years.
“Criminals who are growing marijuana in grow ops, manufacturing crystal in drug labs, or selling crack cocaine in our streets have to know that if they are caught they will not get a slap on the wrist,” said Harper. “They will go to jail and serve serious time.”
Other measures Harper announced include:
- A ban on conditional sentencing (house arrest) for serious drug crimes
- Higher fines for drug dealers and producers, based on the street value of drugs
- Not proceeding with decriminalization of marijuana
- Making the precursor chemical ingredients of crystal meth, such as pseudoephedrine, harder to get
- A drug prevention strategy focused on youth
Harper criticized other political figures who have either denied that a problem exists, such as Liberal Senator Larry Campbell who called the notion of a crystal meth crisis “garbage,” or would actually make things worse by legalizing marijuana. He also criticized Liberal inaction on drugs, including Justice Minister Irwin Cotler’s failure to legislate mandatory minimum prison sentences.
We are so concerned about crime because it’s the responsible thing to do,” Harper said. Safe streets, safe playgrounds and safe school yards are the bedrock of healthy communities. They have been part of the Canadian way of life, and they are values worth fighting for.”
-30-
For further information: Conservative Party Press Office (613) 755-2191
