PROTECT KIDS FROM GROW-OPS: MPP

ORILLIA - Exposing children to dangers associated with illegal drug
production is a form of child abuse and should be punished
accordingly, Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop says.

"If we truly care about our children, we should do everything
possible to prevent their exposure to the many dangers and health
risks associated with making illegal drugs," said Dunlop, community
safety critic.

Dunlop is this week introducing a private member's bill that would
amend the Child and Family Services Act by making it an offence "to
drug-endanger a child.

"They would have power to take the child out from the possession of
the parents and hand it over to the Children's Aid (Society)," he
added. "They would have the power to charge the person with
endangering a child. The penalty could be up to a $2,000 fine and up
to two years in jail."

The measures would apply to those found manufacturing drugs for the
purpose of trafficking and not casual users, he said.

"We can't get into (taking away the children of) somebody that has a
couple of pots of marijuana plants growing somewhere for their own
personal use," he said. "That would be half the planet, for all we know."

Children living in homes with illegal drug labs can be exposed to any
number of dangers, including toxic fumes, mold and fire hazards, he added.

Children "deserve better than growing up in a grow-op, or having
their meals cooked in a crystal meth kitchen," he added.

Dunlop has the support of several high-ranking law enforcement
officials who had been lobbying for new penalties targeting those who
put children in harm's way.

"Police need strong legislation to help save innocent children across
Ontario from being used as props to legitimize illegal drug
operations, while being exposed to toxic fumes, potential fire
hazards, organized crime, and other health, well-being and safety
threats," said Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner.

Dunlop has also heard from admirers of the illicit herb.

"We had a couple of potheads e-mail us and say, 'I smoke pot
regularly and your bill is nuts,'" he added.

Dunlop said the province of Alberta has enforced similar legislation since 2006.