TORIES COULD BRING IN ROADSIDE TEST FOR DRUG IMPAIRMENT

OTTAWA -- The Conservative government is considering reviving a failed
bill from the Liberal era that would impose roadside tests to catch
people driving under the influence of drugs.

"We've talked about the issue and dealing with it in some way, shape,
or form," said Mike Storeshaw, a spokesman for Justice Minister Vic
Toews.

Members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving met with Toews yesterday to
push for stiffer penalties against impaired drivers.

Andrew Murie, of MADD, said he expects that legislation to detect drug
use would permit police to check blood pressure, eye pupils and
co-ordination.

If an officer concludes drugs are in play, the driver would then be
required to undergo further testing at a police station, including
surrendering a blood sample.

MADD also wants the government to craft a new law that would lower the
legal blood-alcohol limit to .05 per cent from the current .08, saying
such a move would dramatically reduce the road toll.