WESTON'S ANTI-METH BILL GOES TO SENATE

West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky member of Parliament John
Weston was "on cloud nine" Wednesday, June 9, after his private
member's bill to hinder the purchase of legal substances for
manufacturing crystal meth and ecstasy received third and final
reading 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. Weston said he
is working to push the system as quickly as possible.

"Speed is everything because if you move slowly an election intervenes
and everything dies on the order paper," he said.

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.

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," Weston said