PROVINCE PUSHES FOR STRONGER DRUG LAWS

Canadians Want Tougher Punishments For Traffickers: Attorney
General

FREDERICTON - Attorney General Mike Murphy has outlined a plan to
strengthen punishments for producers and traffickers of illegal drugs
through tougher laws at the provincial and federal levels.

"We're going to use any and every ability and tactic and law we have
in the province to put these people out of business," the Moncton
North MLA said yesterday.

The provincial element of the anti-drug strategy is legislation that
would allow police to confiscate vehicles used in criminal activity
and revoke driving privileges from those found guilty.

"It only makes sense that when a person commits a crime, their tool of
crime is given up," he said, indicating the government is currently
studying the issue and, if it goes ahead, legislation could be
introduced in the spring.

"If you're convicted of robbery, the firearm is seized. If you're
convicted of stealing salmon, your boat is seized. So if you're
convicted of being involved in an illicit drug trade and part of your
crime is your vehicle to transport or to sell the drugs, then the
driving privileges of the individual can be revoked."

Murphy said the length of such a suspension had not yet been
determined, but that it could last a year or two -- or even longer --
possibly depending on the number of convictions a person compiles.

Provinces have the authority to change such laws, since transportation
laws fall within their jurisdiction.

The federal government is responsible for changes to the Criminal Code
and Murphy is also lobbying Ottawa for complementary changes. This
past summer, the House of Commons passed a bill containing mandatory
minimum sentences for those convicted of trafficking or producing
illegal drugs, but the Senate amended it last week to include shorter
sentences for drug offenders.

Murphy raised his concerns about the federal bill in the Legislature
on Tuesday.

"I indicated that I disagreed with the Canadian Senate, who had
watered down (the bill). I believe that mandatory minimum sentences
for drug dealers of two years or more is worthy," he said.

"The fact is, the people of the country want it and have elected
representatives who want it, so the Senate should not be watering down
a bill that, clearly, the people want."

Progressive Conservative justice critic Jody Carr said his party
supports the government's efforts to clamp down on illegal drugs.

"I think it's right on. Definitely, strong messages need to be spent
and strong enforcement. Especially having minimal mandatory sentence
is necessary and I think it's well-received by people in the province
and the country," he said, also lauding the plan to seize criminals'
property as protecting victims of such crimes.

"In principle, without seeing the details, the Opposition is
supportive of that. This will certainly put in some disincentive for
criminals, we hope, and we're supportive of that."

However, Carr said the tougher stance on drug crimes was contradictory
to some other steps the Liberals have taken since assuming office.

"The government has decreased access to justice for those that are
most vulnerable," he said, citing government cuts to legal aid,
elimination of court social workers and rural courthouse closures.

Murphy said the proposed changes are a part of his party's approach to
crime.

"People will see more and more flesh to the skeletal outline of the
law-and-order agenda of the provincial government. We intend to ensure
that our neighbourhoods are safe," he said.