REAL ACTION ON DRUG CRIME

Constituents have recently approached me about the issue of street
drugs, right here in the Kootenays.

Kootenay-Columbia families, like all Canadian families, deserve to
feel safe, to know that criminals will be held accountable for their
actions. They want to be sure that we are doing everything we can do
to protect our children from the vicious cycle of drugs and crime.

Too many families know the pain and hardship of having a loved one
fall victim to a drug addiction. Unfortunately, too many of our
neighbourhoods and communities are being endangered by violence that
is fuelled by drugs.

Families expect their government will use every tool at its disposal
to ensure that illegal drugs are kept off our streets. That's why the
Harper Government will give our police the necessary tools they need
to protect Canadians and ensure that our laws reflect the menace of
growing drug crime.

As part of a law proposed and proceeding though Parliament, Bill C-2,
the Harper Government is proposing tough new penalties for those who
choose to drive while under the influence of drugs. In addition, the
Harper government has shown leadership by introducing the National
Anti-Drug Strategy that will:

. Discourage illegal drug use in young people;

. Treat individuals who have drug addictions; and

. Crack down on illegal drug crime.

As part of that strategy, the Harper Government also introduced
tougher criminal penalties for those convicted of drug related crimes.

In contrast, over the last 13 years, the former government not only
ignored these problems, they actually made them worse by proposing
relaxed drug laws that sent mixed messages on the harm that drugs cause.

When it comes to fighting drug offences and other serious crimes, the
choice Canadians have is clear. The other political parties continue
to put innocent families at risk by denying the problem and hiding
behind the weak protections of the status quo.

In contrast, the Harper Government stands up for our children, our
families, and law-abiding citizens by ensuring that drug criminals are
stopped, caught and held accountable for their actions.