OTTAWA SINGS RIGHT TUNE ON JUSTICE

VIC Toews dropped the dime on Canadian criminals yesterday, promising
lengthy mandatory prison terms for drug traffickers and the
elimination of conditional sentences for violent criminals and repeat
offenders.

Canada's justice minister also hinted that Winnipeg could see as many
as 45 new police officers, a means of supporting the continued efforts
of Operation Clean Sweep.

While Toews said the new measures would not be "draconian," he implied
the effects would be immediately felt in communities across Canada.

"We want to make sure Canadians are protected as quickly as possible,"
said the Manitoba MP in a phone interview after yesterday's throne
speech. "We believe there will be an appreciable measure of security
seen." Law and order is a big seller with Canadians these days. The
justice system has long been seen as a revolving door with scofflaws
thumbing their noses at cops and average people.

Here at home, Winnipeggers are still furious that Ryan Sorensen, 21,
had his one-year jail term reduced to an 18-month conditional
sentence. Sorenson was found guilty of a well-planned knifepoint
attack against two young McDonald's employees. Sorenson had sent an
e-mail to friends inviting them to come to court to watch him seek
"sweet, sweet house arrest."

The Conservatives have heard our anger. They are still short on
specifics but they're humming the right tune.

"We will be addressing the issue of mandatory minimum sentences and
house arrest," Toews said. "I'm optimistic. We're looking at at least
a mandatory minimum for the use of firearms."

That minimum will likely be between five and seven years, he said,
adding that the proposal will require the support of the NDP.

He'd like to follow the American model of dealing with drug dealers,
especially those who sell crystal meth.

"They've taken a multi-faceted approach involving education, health
and tough sentencing.

"Those who want to kill our children should be off the
street."

A national drug strategy will also be put in place, focusing on
keeping kids off drugs and away from gangs. He offered no specifics
other than the party's continued refusal to legalize marijuana. Toews
reiterated the commitment he and Prime Minister Stephen Harper have
made to dismantle the long-gun registry, calling it a failure. The
money saved with be used to fill vacant RCMP positions, he said.

"You don't only pass the laws, you make sure the local authorities
have the resources," he said. He has had conversations with Mayor Sam
Katz, he said, and supports Clean Sweep.

The government plans to create another 2,500 municipal and provincial
police positions, he said, and said he knows Katz would like to see an
additional 45 cops on the street.

The promises are as controversial as mom and apple pie. Canadians are
sick and tired of watching criminals run roughshod over our cities. We
want justice to be done. We want our streets to be safe. We want our
children protected from drugs.

If this is how it's done, woe be to any party who steps in the way.