WESTON'S ANTI-METH BILL GOES TO SENATE

Private Member's Bill Passes Third Reading in House With Unanimous Consent

West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky MP John Weston was "on cloud
nine" yesterday after his private member's bill to hinder the
purchase of legal substances for manufacturing crystal meth and
ecstasy received third and final reading on Wednesday (June 9) with
unanimous consent.

"It's hard to describe the feeling but the house is rarely unanimous
on things and to see all the members rising in support of a bill
you've been working on for a few months is really very exciting,"
said Weston. "There were MPs from all corners of the house giving me
the thumbs up and smiling - it's a real team effort."

Third and final reading is the final stage in the House of Commons
before the piece of legislation is sent to the Senate and Weston is
working to push the system as quickly as possible.

He has been working with Dominique Leblanc, the Liberal justice
critic, and he's committed to try and move it quickly through the
Senate as well.

"Speed is everything because if you move slow an election intervenes
and everything dies on the order paper."

Targeted ingredients in the bill include meth's precursor chemicals,
such as pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, which are commonly found in
over-the-counter cold medications, as well as acetone, rubbing
alcohol and iodine.

"The bill would give our law enforcement community a powerful new
tool with which to confront the growing menace of two drugs which are
attacking the health and welfare of Canadians," said Weston in debate
on the bill on May 7.

He said the bill addresses wrongful conviction by emphasizing the
criminal's intent and state of mind when purchasing or in possession
of the substances.

Members of federal parties across the board supported the bill, along
with a long list of community groups, justice organizations and
municipalities in his riding that Weston pointed to.

"Ultimately, this is something that could change the life of one
person or many, many persons in a positive way," said Weston.