THE DRUG WAR HAS MANY CASUALTIES

Imagine if your parents were high-ranking state police officers in a
country where for the past three years there has been a "vicious war"
between the government and drug lords; where the government actually
has a department of public kidnappings and death threats.

Imagine you and your brother have been threatened because your
parents were honest cops trying to serve their country.

What country? Mexico, land of enchantment, but now, in some states, a
war zone where grenades are thrown into police stations and police
armoured convoys are attacked on a regular basis.

We know two such young men. Their parents are not only serving their
country, but also serving the interests of the United States and
Canada in their attempt to stem the drugs from flowing north.

Unsafe and frightened, with parents not quite rich enough to hire
protection or able to buy their children safe passage to the United
States or Canada, these two university-aged young men live in fear
for their lives.

Out of real safety concerns, we have decided to not disclose the
identity of the family. They are typical youths, who have led an
active life, trained in alpine and urban rescue, first aid and rock climbing.

It is ironic that my wife, Dorothy, would be asked for assistance by
the father of these two boys on the day that Canada decided to spurn
its NAFTA trading partner and impose visa restrictions on Mexican
tourists in order to stem the tide of refugee claims from Mexico.

In stilted English one of the boys wrote to Dorothy, "I am a victim
of kidnapping and threats of death as a result of the work of my
parents, both of which are state government employees . . . in the
state judicial police force."

The boys claims the threats started several years ago and now they
are increasing. Those threats, they say, come from a well known drug
cartel in the state.

They wanted Dorothy to look over the letter they had written the
Canadian government in seeking refugee status.

"I would like the government of Canada to consider my (refugee)
application, as well as to help my brother to leave our country as
soon as possible for me as our life is at risk," he said.

According to news reports, experts estimate that drug gangs are now
responsible for 30 to 50 kidnappings a day in Mexico and that ransoms
often run to $300,000 if the victim is returned alive.

Does all of this qualify the boys for refugee status in Canada? I am
not sure. But surely if Canada and United States continually demand
of Mexico that she fight and conquer the powerful drug cartels, then
perhaps those two NAFTA partners could find a way to provide security
to the families of the honest police officers who are on the front
lines in this war on the drug trade. They not only put their own
lives on the line, but also their families' lives.

But instead of trying to assist and live up to its obligation in this
area, Canada appears to be closing the door to Mexicans who are
seeking safety north of their border. To date, Canada's decision to
impose visa requirements on Mexican and Czech citizens as a way of
curbing dubious refugee claimants has been criticized by both
governments as well as business and civil rights groups. They say the
new restrictions are unnecessary, shameful and an unwelcome irritant.

The Globe and Mail reports that since 2005, the number of Mexican
refugee claimants has tripled: from about 3,400 to 9,400 in 2008.
This year to date there have been 5,500 claims received up to June
30, compared with 3,700 in the same period last year. The acceptance
rate has been running at 11 per cent, well below the national average
of 40 per cent.

Of course the number of claimants has gone up. There is a serious war
against the drug trade (drugs that are being shipped north to the
United States and Canada) in Mexico, and both the number of homicides
and kidnappings has increased dramatically. Honest police and
politicians are killed frequently by drug gangs. It isn't a
coincidence that our refugee applicants increase. It's because they,
our neighbours and NAFTA partners, need us now.

The young men stated what they are willing to do for Canada if they
are allowed safe haven. They say they do not want to be any
"drawbacks" on Canada and are willing to "provide our military
service in Canada."

They also say that they love Mexico and once the war of drugs is won
they would be willing to return to their homeland if that was what
Canada wanted. "I am willing to obey the laws, regulations of the
government of Canada."

Four years ago, Dorothy and I received a kidnapping threat against
our children while we were in Mexico. In our case the culprits were
caught by the Mexican Federal Police. I can say that without a doubt,
the fear that this family is going through is real and is the worst
kind of torture a parent can experience.

Canada must reconsider this decision. Otherwise we have closed the
door on our friend just when they need us most.