COURT MADE A WRONG CALL

Recently, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that random searches by
drug sniffing dogs in Canadian high schools cannot take place unless
there is already reasonable suspicion that drugs are present.

While the federal government will abide by this ruling, it strongly
disagrees with the Supreme Court's decision.

Drug sniffing dogs are a powerful deterrent for drug criminals. They
can detect even the faintest traces of drugs from a great distance,
even if those drugs are tightly sealed.

The Supreme Court's ruling opens up the possibility that the use of
drug sniffing dogs in other public spaces, such as airports, could
also be challenged in the future.

This poses a serious risk to the safety of all Canadians.

At a time when more criminal gangs are targeting kids and youth, it
is vital that police have every possible tool to keep illegal drugs
out of the hands of our youth, while also cracking down on the
dealers who are targeting them.

Using illegal drugs is not a recreational activity: It is a crime. It
can destroy an individual's physical and mental health, shatter
families and harms our community.

We must do all we can to keep drugs out of the hands of Canadian youth.

The periodic use of drug-sniffing dogs is vital to keeping Canadians safe.

Cracking down on the illegal drug trade requires more than talk.
Merely saying that drugs are dangerous and destructive is not enough.

The government believes in backing up talk with action. Serious
actions must have serious consequences.

The government's National Anti-Drug Strategy provides a new, balanced
approach to fighting illegal drug crime in Canada.

We are helping parents and teachers educate children about the
dangers of drug use. We are giving junkies and addicts the help
necessary to get clean. And we are showing zero tolerance to the
pushers and smugglers who feed on the most vulnerable among us.

The government remains committed to keeping Canadian kids safe.

Until next time. . .