OTTAWA FOLLOWS U.S.-STYLE APPROACH IN WAR ON DRUGS

While bullets continue to fly and bodies fall, the federal government
is trying again to make jail time mandatory for drug crimes.

"Gang violence is fueled by competition in the drug trade. We've all
seen the results of gang violence over the last number of weeks
including incidents that have occurred right here in our community,"
Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge MP Randy Kamp said in a release.

"We need to take action and impose stronger penalties so that there is
a real deterrent to people who get involved with gangs, and with drugs."

The government has re-introduced a bill that would amend the
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to ensure drug producers and
pushers serve time if convicted.

The specifics include:

. one-year in jail for dealing drugs such as marijuana, when carried
out for organized crime purposes or when a weapon or violence is involved;

. two years in jail for dealing drugs such as cocaine, heroin or
methamphetamines to youth, or for dealing those drugs near a school or
in an area normally frequented by youth;

. two years in jail for running a large marijuana-grow operation
involving at least 500 plants;

. increased maximum penalties for marijuana grow ops, from seven years
to 14 years imprisonment; and,

. tougher penalties for trafficking GHB and flunitrazepam, most
commonly known as date-rape drugs.

Kamp said Friday the bill replaces previous legislation that died
after the October federal election and debated whether it was copying
U.S.-style laws, saying the government isn't as concerned with what is
happening south of the border.

"Our laws already have the likelihood of somebody producing drugs
going to jail."

But he said people are frustrated by the fact that when people are
convicted of drug offences, that doesn't always happen.

"We don't apologize for that and we think we need to send a strong
message that our society is not going to tolerate people producing
harmful drugs like crystal meth and selling drugs to our children."

The proposed legislation though offers a get-out-jail card. A Drug
Treatment Court can suspend a sentence while the person takes a
treatment program.

"These measures are a proportionate and measured response designed to
disrupt criminal enterprise; drug producers and dealers who threaten
the safety of our communities must face tougher penalties," Justice
Minister Rob Nicholson said in the release.

"Our message to potential offenders is clear: if you sell or produce
drugs, you will face jail time."

The government also has introduced Bill C-14 that protects employees
of the justice system from threats from organized crime.

However, it's yet to re-introduce amendments to the Youth Criminal
Justice Act which called for automatic, stiffer sentences for kids 14
and older convicted of murder and manslaughter.

Once convicted, youths would have their names publicized.

Kamp said the budget including the economic stimulus package was
passed Wednesday night and sent on to the Senate. Once royal assent is
given, the criteria for government programs and the money funding
them, can be announced.