WHITE CHAIRS DRUG FIGHT

Abbotsford MP Randy White will be taking the lead in the House of Commons
fight against illegal drugs as the vice chair of the special committee
created to examine this issue. The 13-member all-party committee began
their work by beginning the development of a working plan to cover the next
year and a half of their mandate.

The committee, which was created by the unanimous support of all Members of
Parliament for White's motion in the House three weeks ago, will be
examining the range of problems that exist in regards to illicit drugs.

"We need to cover all aspects of this issue, from health implications to
problems in the justice system, such as sentences that are too light and
increasing law enforcement," said White.

White expects the committee will begin to travel across Canada in the fall,
with additional meetings planned for the United States and Europe.

"This is a problem that doesn't begin or end at Canada's doorstep. We need
to see how other governments have been successful in tackling this issue
head on, and what the end result has been," said the Alliance Solicitor
General critic.

The compilation of witness lists for the special committee should begin
this summer. White adds that he will be looking for input from communities
across the country on this issue, and invites potential witnesses to
contact his office at 613-995-0183 or 604-534-5955.

"It's time to examine the issues on the streets, not with the bureaucrats
in their high towers. We need to get down to the streets to fix this,"
White said.