CRACK, METH ACT COULD DIE IF PREMIER CALLS ELECTION

Justice Minister Murray Scott wants to crack down on crack houses and
crystal-meth labs, but he might have to wait until after the coming
election.

Scott introduced seven bills at Province House Friday that could serve
as the Progressive Conservative election platform on crime. They will
have to be introduced again in the fall if the Tories win an expected
June 13 vote.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act would give police more
power to close houses used by gangs, pushers and pimps.

The act already died on the order paper once, after the Conservatives
introduced it last fall. It will die again if Premier Rodney MacDonald
calls an election.

Scott said he would like to see the act become law quickly, but he can
make no guarantees.

"I would like to see it pass as soon as possible so we can get on with
the job," the former police officer told reporters.

Another bill would put new restrictions on the sale of ingredients
used to make crystal meth and other illegal drugs.

The NDP introduced a Safe Neighbourhoods act last year.

Critic Kevin Deveaux said it's pointless for the Conservatives to keep
tabling it, but he hopes it will pass in some form after the election.

"It's more political posturing leading up to an election," Deveaux
said.

"But I still think it's good legislation."

Scott's bills were part of a flood of legislation introduced yesterday
that has little chance of becoming law before an election.

The opposition introduced another 18 bills and private members tabled
two.