DRUG-DRIVING BILL ALSO TO STIFFEN SENTENCES FOR DRUNK DRIVERS

OTTAWA -- The government has introduced legislation to crack down on
drug-impaired drivers -- and while they're at it, strengthen the laws
on alcohol-impaired driving as well.

The bill, tabled yesterday by Justice Minister Vic Toews, had been
trumpeted as part of the Tory law-and-order agenda.

Toews acknowledged that it's similar in some key respects to
legislation proposed by the Liberals, but insisted that he has
"enhanced" the initiative.

The Conservatives' legislation proposes a series of steps to detect
drug impairment, starting with roadside tests such as the familiar
touch-your-nose or walk-the-line variety.

If the driver appears impaired, the next step would be examination at
the station by an officer specially trained to recognize signs of
drug use. Only after that could police demand a blood or urine sample.

The bill would also boost the maximum sentence to life in prison for
alcohol-impaired driving causing death, and to 10 years for causing
bodily harm.

The fine for a first offence of simple impaired driving would rise to
$1,000, and jail terms for second and third offences would increase
to 30 days and 120 days respectively.