JAFFER SENTENCE MAY PUT LAWS IN JEOPARDY

The $500 fine given to former Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer for
careless driving by an Ontario judge on March 9, after he was
initially charged with cocaine possession, impaired driving and
speeding, hardly sends a message as a deterrent. This case raises the
question, Can influence, money and a good lawyer sway the course of
justice? Most Canadians will consider the penalty handed out to Jaffer
to be unreasonable. This could very well encourage contempt,
disrespect, and disdain for our impaired driving laws.

Unquestionably, this would weaken the resolve of the criminal justice
system and Canadians to enforce the laws. The consequences of this
speaks for itself!

It could also open the doors to a barrage of legal challenges. The
current criminal blood-alcohol limit has been universally accepted by
Canadians and the criminal justice system for well over 35 years. When
it comes to dealing with impaired driving, the current administrative
and criminal sanctions in place in Canada provide a well thought-out
mix of effectiveness, efficiency and severity. These laws have served
this country well.

And now with what many Canadians will consider to be the apparent
incompetence, favouritism and indifference exhibited by the Crown in
withdrawing the more serious charges, including impaired driving, laid
against Jaffer, these laws are now at risk.

In the public interest, a judicial review of this case is in order.
Canadians deserve this. Simply too many questions need to be answered!

Emile Therien, past president, Canada Safety Council, Ottawa