EDITORIAL DISAPPOINTS MLA

Re: Cutting-edge injustice (March 11).

I am surprised and disappointed by your editorial regarding the Safer
Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. The enforcement of this act by
the Public Safety Investigation Unit (PSIU) is playing a key role in
turning around the area I represent in Legislature.

As the minister of justice said at the announcement of further
enhancement to the act and the PSIU, the right to consider one's home
a castle does not apply to those who choose to screw up their
neighbourhood. The proposed amendments to the act will include those
who choose to grow marijuana or, even worse, manufacture crystal meth
in their homes. Your newspaper has reported on the scourge of crystal
meth and the horrendous impact on health, corrections and family
services in many western states and provinces. Your newspaper has
also reported on the aggressive and robust steps Manitoba is taking
to prevent this dangerous drug from gaining a foothold here.

The PSIU has closed down nearly 150 homes and apartments where
illegal and obnoxious activities were affecting the neighbourhood. By
relying on civil remedies as opposed to the criminal law, the PSIU
can provide quick and forceful action. Residents know that their
confidential complaints lead to real action. My constituents want and
deserve the peaceful enjoyment of their homes and streets. With the
work of the PSIU and the additional tools proposed by the new
legislation, and in co-operation with the Winnipeg Police Service,
their neighbourhoods will continue to be safer. All Manitobans will
benefit from this larger strategy to prevent the manufacture and use
of crystal meth.

Andrew Swan

MLA for Minto

Winnipeg