MADD HAPPY WITH CRIMINAL CODE CHANGES

The federal government tabled legislation on Tuesday to tackle impaired
driving and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada couldn't be happier.

The proposed Criminal Code changes include increasing penalties, providing
more tools for police, and sharply limiting witnesses' evidence.

Richard Solomon, MADD Canada's national director of legal policy, said the
changes are long overdue and considers it a step in the right direction.
Canada's current impaired driving laws are not as effective as those in
other countries.

"It's a significant change in Canadian law but it is a significant change
that is just catching up to where police enforcement powers and impaired
driving are in the rest of the world," said Solomon.

Solomon said the changes are needed because the existing law has failed.

"Those who are committing the most serious offences are the least likely to
be charged and least likely to be convicted," he said.

Solomon said there has been very little substantive reform made in Canada's
impaired-driving law over the past 10 years. There has been some changes in
terms of punishment but there has been little change in police power, he
explained.

If the new bill is passed, police will have the power to demand a roadside
sobriety test from someone suspected of driving while impaired. Police will
also be able to demand that a person suspected of being drug-impaired
submit to a physical test as well as a bodily fluid sample test.

Solomon said these powers are essential and provide police with the
necessary tools they need to enforce the law.

"Sanctions are one small element," said Solomon. "I don't want the law to
necessarily be tougher. I want it to be more efficient and effective."

Andrew Murie, CEO of MADD Canada, said it's the most comprehensive piece of
legislation that's been introduced by any government. MADD Canada has been
pushing for such changes for the past 10 years, he said.

"As an organization we are thrilled," said Murie.

Murie said this bill if passed will make a significant impact in the fight
against impaired driving.

He said the organization knew it was coming but was not sure of what the
bill would contain.

Murie's pleased the government is choosing a comprehensive approach to
address the issue instead of attempting to institute the changes one by one.