LAWMAKERS, LEADERS TACKLE CRIME

EDMONTON - A round table on youth crime, drugs, violence and gangs
demonstrated different approaches on how to tackle the problems.

The round table, held Wednesday evening at the Mayfield Hotel,
featured federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, Edmonton Mayor
Stephen Mandel and police Chief Mike Boyd, among other head-table speakers.

Nicholson emphasized increased minimum sentences for violent crimes,
strengthening the criminal youth justice system and a nationwide
anti-drug campaign. Mandel said he would rather the minister talk more
about the prevention of crime and more specifically about funding for
prevention programs.

"I didn't think that this added anything to the debate," said Mandel.
"There needs to be as much emphasis on prevention as on enforcement,
something to counter the growing divorce rate, something done about
fetal alcohol syndrome."

Nicholson's comments about strengthening enforcement and lengthening
sentences found approval among many members of the audience. Within
that audience were relatives of three of Edmonton's recent homicide
victims.

The audience also applauded Nicholson's proposal to appoint a national
victims' rights ombudsman.

"It's one of our intentions but we have no timeline on that," he
said.

The meeting was organized by Edmonton Centre Tory MP Laurie Hawn and
Rona Ambrose, Conservative MP for Spruce Grove.

Nicholson has attended various meetings across Canada in which he has
heard the same message from the audience, he said.

He is particularly encouraged by Edmonton's Enough is Enough campaign,
a public appeal by political leaders, sports personalities and law
enforcement officials to curb violent disputes. Nicholson said he
encountered a similar program when he attended a public meeting in
Saskatchewan.

The minister attacked recent efforts by the Liberals, which he said
are watering down efforts by his government to strengthen the justice
system.

"A lot of these parties talk tough about crime during elections, but
last week a lot of our proposals were gutted in committee. Let's get
behind and support what we need to do."