SENATE TOO SLOW ON SENTENCING LAW

I learned with shock that Canada has become a major player in the
supply of illegal drugs, according to the United Nations Drug report
released on June 24. It seems this report suggested more stringent
regulations in the U.S. has forced production to migrate to Canada,
due to weaker laws regarding the production and distribution of these
drugs. As a father of two young school-age children this concerns me
greatly. Last month, I attended my eldest daughter's final assembly
at her elementary school. Next year she'll be attending the middle
school in our neighbourhood. Now that she'll be going to a larger
school with older children, there is a greater chance that she may
come into contact with people involved in trafficking or using
illegal drugs and this worries me.

Bill C-15 would enforce minimum mandatory jail sentences for anyone
selling drugs near a school. I believe that this is a step in the
right direction. Now that this bill has passed the House of Commons,
it is up to the Senate to pass this legislation. Second reading
debate was opened on June 16; however, on June 22 the
Liberal-dominated Senate started its summer break leaving
consideration of the bill for the fall session, I believe this smacks
of political gamesmanship at the cost of our children's safety.

Scott Bruce

Victoria