DRUG CRIME BILL WOULD SEND GUILTY TO JAIL AUTOMATICALLY

The Conservative government revived a bill Friday to impose automatic
jail terms for drug-related crime, a move critics have said would put
a strain on already crowded prisons and jails.

The bill is similar to one the Conservatives introduced more than one
year ago, which died when the Oct. 14 general election was called.

"Mandatory prison sentences are appropriate for those who commit
serious drug offences threatening our society," said Justice Minister
Rob Nicholson.

The proposed legislation would impose one-year mandatory jail time for
marijuana dealing, when it is linked to organized crime or a weapon is
involved.

The sentence would be increased to two years for dealing drugs such as
cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines to young people, or pushing drugs
near a school or other places frequented by youths.

The bill also calls for a two-year mandatory prison terms for being
caught growing at least 500 marijuana plants and increased maximum
imprisonment to 14 years, from the current seven, for running grow
operations. The government also proposes tougher penalties for
trafficking in date-rape drugs.

There are already more than two dozen minimum prison terms in the
Criminal Code, mainly for murder and offences involving firearms.

Critics oppose mandatory minimums because they eliminate discretion
for judges to impose sentences as they see fit.

Opponents have warned minimum terms for drugs will flood Canadian
prisons and jails.

Prisons are already operating near capacity and the federal government
set aside about $245 million when it came to power in 2006, in the
event that it had to create more space for prisoners.