B.C. GOVERNMENT PUTS LAWBREAKERS ON NOTICE

B.C.'s concerns about crystal meth production, the release of repeat
sex offenders, gang violence and conditional sentences for violent
crimes is now part of a national action plan aimed at restoring
confidence in the justice system, B.C. Solicitor General John Les
announced last week.

"British Columbians are tired of opening up their newspapers and
feeling that justice is not being done," Les said in a news release.

"When people feel that they're not being adequately protected from
criminals, whether as a result of inappropriate sentencing or
insufficient laws, we have a duty to act."

Les met with justice officials from across the country earlier this
month in Whitehorse where agreement was reached with the federal
government on key justice issues. As a result, Ottawa will:

Review regulations and enforcement around the bulk importation of
precursors used to make crystal meth, such as ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine;

Review current procedures for releasing high-risk sex offenders on a
priority basis;

Restrict the use of conditional sentences for serious and violent
offences through the proposed Bill C-70;

Change the criminal code to increase mandatory minimum sentences for
certain firearms-related offences, and add new firearms offences to
the criminal code.

"B.C. is putting lawbreakers on notice," Les said. "We'll continue to
advocate for tougher penalties under federal law and also step up
action at the community level to ensure we're combating crime on our
streets and in our neighbourhoods."

Chilliwack held a public forum on crystal meth last month, and city
officials are awaiting approval of funding grants from the province to
continue the work of a task force assembled to combat the problem here.

The B.C. government also announced it will host a provincial congress
in Vancouver on Dec. 2 to discuss illicit drugs, repeat offenders and
gang violence. Over 150 community delegates have been invited to hear
from experts and provide input on enhancing public safety initiatives.