LOCAL MP'S CRYSTAL METH BILL BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Last week the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and
Human Rights debated Peace River Member of Parliament Chris
Warkentin's private member's bill to establish a new offence in the
Criminal Code of Canada to deal with the growing problem of producing
and trafficking of the illegal drug methamphetamine or crystal meth.

On Dec.11 Warkentin testified before the committee.

"It is incumbent, I believe, upon us as legislators to enact
legislation that holds to account those who willingly produce, or
support those who produce, this harmful substance," he said.

This piece of legislation has received broad-based support from
organizations across the country. Also testifying before the Standing
Committee on Justice and Human Rights was Diane McQueen, Mayor of
Drayton Valley and member of the Alberta Premiers Task Force on
Crystal Meth along with Andre Bigras, executive officer of the Drug
Prevention Network of Canada.

"Indeed with this legislation, is yet another tool. I know you have
other legislation as well, but it's another tool for (police) to draw
on," said McQueen.

Bigras of the Drug Prevention Network was also supportive stating:
"We applaud and support this bill 100 per cent."

During second reading in the House of Commons on June 14 Warkentin's
Bill C-428 received unanimous support from all political parties.

The Committee will meet early in the new year to continue its
consideration on this legislation.

"It is time to pass this important piece of legislation, so that we
can further protect our youth and families from the devastating
effects of crystal meth," said Warkentin.