CRIME TALK STEALS SPOTLIGHT

Gangs, Drugs Become Focus As Vote Looms

Metro Poses Key Questions To Local Candidates

What Steps Would You Take To Combat Gang-Related Violence In The Riding?

The Liberal and New Democrat candidates in Burnaby- New Westminster
agree that any attempt to stamp out gang-related violence must
involve stopping the flow of guns from the U.S.

Incumbent NDP MP Peter Julian wants a three pronged attack to combat
gang violence -- shoring up border crossings; imposing minimum
mandatory sentencing; and repairing Canada's social safety net.

"We need to give more opportunities to these young men so that they
have options, and we can take preventative measures so they don't get
involved in gang violence," said Julian.

Liberal candidate Mary Pynenburg, who lost to Julian by a scant 329
votes in 2004, says in addition to beefier borders, Burnaby needs
more RCMP officers and more grassroots community crime prevention to
empower youth.

She is also in favour of stronger measures in the fight against
crystal meth use.

Green party candidate Scott Henry Janzen said the root causes of gang
violence are poverty and the proceeds of drug trafficking.

Janzen is in favour of a basic universal income to eliminate poverty
and the legalization of marijuana, reducing the amount of money flow to gangs.