PLAN TARGETS SERIOUS DRUG OFFENDERS

Re: Why is Canada copying failure?, Larry Campbell, Jan. 8

It's no secret that illicit drugs fuel organized crime and foster
petty crime. They also undermine healthy families and safe
communities across Canada.

As is stands now in Canada, a substantial proportion of serious drug
offenders are currently not spending a single day in prison.

Our approach is designed to target these serious drug offenders who
are profiting from their crimes. This is why Ottawa has taken action
by introducing legislative reforms to impose mandatory jail time for
serious drug offences, which is aimed at organized criminals and
those who prey on our youth.

This government's message is clear: If you sell or produce drugs,
you'll pay with mandatory jail time.

The proposed set of mandatory minimum penalties simply does not
target minor drug offenders. Only those drug traffickers who have
aggravating factors in their cases, such as using violence or selling
drugs near schools, will be eligible to receive the mandatory minimum sentence.

When drug producers damage someone else's property to grow marijuana
or make crystal meth, they will be eligible for the minimum sentence.

Other aggravating factors include placing traps that can cause harm
to those entering a place of drug production, having children in the
location where the offence was committed, or using youth to commit
drug offences.

Our approach is tough on crime, but compassionate for victims.

We want to prevent people from becoming enslaved by drugs, and free
them from drugs when they get hooked. That is why two-thirds of our
$63.8-million National Anti-Drug Strategy aims to prevent illicit
drug use and treat those with illicit drug dependencies.

Our legislation also contains an exception that will allow the courts
not to impose the mandatory sentence if an offender successfully
completes a drug treatment program.

This will help eligible individuals with drug-related offences to
overcome their addictions and avoid future conflict with the law.

Breaking Canada's complacent attitude towards illicit drugs will
require huge efforts. But with a new focused and balanced approach to
illicit drugs, we believe Canada will soon be on the road to recovery.

Rob Nicholson is Canada's minister of justice.