MANDATORY MINIMUMS PLAN FOOLISH

The federal government is foolish in pursuing mandatory minimum
sentences for drug dealers.

It simplistically parrots the antiquated assumption that any
anti-drug policy will instantly garner wide public support; it shows
federal politicians to be dreadfully out of touch with the Canadian public.

Though the results of opinion surveys vary, few, if any, show
majority support for the failed "war on drugs", which costs taxpayers
billions -- yes, billions -- of dollars annually without lowering
availability or use.

In fact, as dozens of studies have concluded, attempting to "ban"
drug consumption props up a black market for Canada's criminal
organizations, which make most of their profits off outrageous market
markups, then fight bloody turf wars over the enormous proceeds.

Secondly, the proposed federal law comes as U.S. states are repealing
mandatory minimum sentencing because it doesn't work. Criminals don't
fear jail time, so it's not much of a deterrent. And while Canada's
proposals aren't worded as broadly as U.S. initiatives, they'll still
accomplish nothing, but cost a lot.

Third, there are many areas of existing law that could be toughened
up first. Sentencing guidelines for manslaughter in Canada are so
low, first-time offenders can be out in two years. Victims' rights to
involvement during prosecution lag behind where they should be, as do
compensatory and counselling services.

Canada could also toughen provisions allowing the indefinite
confinement of repeat child sex offenders, to weed pedophiles out of
society and held until a cure is found.

Fourth, Canada's jails are beginning to mirror the overcrowded,
ridiculous U.S. system, which jails more citizens per capita than
China and North Korea.

Mandatory minimums are irrational, cheap public gestures that will
not help make Canadian streets safer.

Legalizing, controlling and distributing drugs in the same manner as
alcohol would, overnight, create enormous economic stimulus and badly
hurt gangs. It's an easy choice, in the real world. In politics? Not so much.