'DUMB ON CRIME'

The federal Liberals plan to shoot down a crime bill proposed by the
Conservatives that would include stiffer sentences for drug
possession, as well could require tens of millions, even billions of
dollars to build new prisons.

The Liberals also worry that Bill S-10 - which has been passed by the
Senate and is now before the House of Commons - would unfairly target
younger criminals, as it would carry the same mandatory six-month
sentence for possessing six marijuana plants as it would for having
200.

"This bill isn't tough on crime, it's dumb on crime," said Liberal
leader Michael Ignatieff. "We're all in favour of cracking down on
serious criminals, but this bill doesn't distinguish between massive
growops and a first-time offender with a small amount."

The Conservatives haven't actually said how much it would cost to
implement the bill, or build new prisons, or where they would be
constructed.

But the bill is expected to put more people in jail, despite what
health professionals say: there is no evidence that mandatory minimum
sentences will reduce drug use or deter crime.

Last week, a group of 400 leading physicians and scientists issued a
statement criticizing the legislation, claiming that it is not
scientifically grounded and that research demonstrates it may
contribute to health and social harms.

Crime rates in Canada have been declining in recent years, without
such a bill.

Housing a federal prisoner costs $88,000 a year, and with more of them
anticipated, Correctional Service of Canada plans to hire 5,000 new
employees.

Even in the U.S., a conservative group is arguing for more responsible
spending on criminal justice spending.

Why not here, where, according to Health Canada, more than 40 per cent
of Canadians have used marijuana. Nearly half the country has
disregarded the law on marijuana use, so the Conservatives want to
spend potentially billions of dollars locking up those who grow it.

This whole discussion inevitably leads back to the issue of
prohibition and legalization, but what it's really about is getting
re-elected, not what makes sense.

Mr. Ignatieff is right. That is dumb.