COURT RULES AGAINST RANDOM DRUG SEARCHES

Last Friday, 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 harm 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 ...