MERRIFIELD TACKLES DRUG CRIMES

Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield has brought forward a piece of
legislation aimed at tackling drug-related crimes in Canada.

Merrifield re-introduced the private member's bill in the House of
Commons earlier this month.

The bill proposes setting out mandatory minimum sentences for
criminals convicted of a serious drug crimes.

Merrifield is pushing for a minimum two-year sentence for more
serious drug offences.

"These sentences are not just for show," he said.

"If these new laws would have been in place in 2003 they would have
affected 300 to 400 sentences and prevented countless other crimes.

"It is a strong statement that drugs destroy our communities and that
Canadians are sick and tired of convicted criminals getting let off
the hook," Merrifield said.

"Methamphetamines and other drugs have damaged both the lives and
safety of numerous communities in Yellowhead.

"It's a battle we can't afford to lose."

Merrifield had introduced the same bill during the last session of
Parliament, but it was lost along with other pending pieces of
legislation when the session was dissolved after the minority Liberal
government fell in December.

This time, he said, it is a different situation.

"With this one I'm on the government side," Merrifield said. "I'm
pushing very hard. So I am very optimistic that we're actually going
to be able to move on this one."

Merrifield added that, on top of introducing the bill, he has been
lobbying Justice Minister Vic Toews to bring a similar bill forward.

"I've pushed it aggressively with the minister," he explained.

Merrifield said mandatory minimum sentences will achieve two main
objectives: preventing crime by requiring judges to put serious
criminals behind bars, preventing repeat offences.

"Second, the stiffer sentences will give victims and Canadians
justice that is more equal to the crimes that are committed against
us," he said.

Last month, the Conservative government announced legislation that
would repeal conditional sentences (house arrest) for serious crimes
and legislation requiring stricter mandatory minimum sentences for
crimes committed with restricted weapons and gang related offences.

"I am very pleased with the stand our government is taking on crime
and I look forward to the new laws we will introduce that will
increase safety for the people of Yellowhead and all Canadians,"
Merrifield said.