MAKE DRUG TESTS MANDATORY

Something is wrong when millions of dollars are being spent by the
Conservatives to clean up our nation's drug-infested prisons -yet
almost a quarter of prisoners either tested positive or refused to be
tested for narcotics and booze in 2008.

Figures released by the Correctional Service of Canada show 7,613
samples were requested for random urinanalysis tests designed to
detect cocaine, cannabis, opiates and many pharmaceuticals. More than
850 inmates refused the testing competely while more than 13% of those
who agreed tested positive for an illicit substance.

So much for cleaning up inmates if drugs remain plentiful behind
bars.

The Conservatives have spent oodles of money beefing up search
policies and enforcement strategies and it has likely helped some. But
we are still not winning the war on drugs in Canada's prisons.

Mandatory testing of all inmates is the only logical step for the
government to pursue. For years correctional officers have pressed for
it, but a Correctional Service spokeswoman said the practice could be
considered a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Let's do
it anyway and fight a Charter challenge if and when one comes.

Drugs are getting into Club Fed at a consistent rate. Mandatory
regular drug tests will change inmates' attitudes about drug use.