MERRIFIELD ECHOES CALL OF RCMP FAMILIES

Marijuana And Crystal Meth Are Ruining Lives And Harming Our Communities

In the House of Commons, Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield once again urged the
federal government to reform the criminal justice system. Merrifield's
intervention echoed calls made at a press conference in Ottawa this morning
by family members of the four RCMP officers killed near Mayerthorpe on March 3.

"It's been seven months since four RCMP officers were killed near
Mayerthorpe," said Merrifield during the daily Question Period. "The
families want changes to a justice system that they say, 'failed
miserably.' Today, they called for a complete review of the justice system.
Will this government commit to minimum sentences for serious drug and
violent crimes?"

Merrifield also called on the government to scrap Bill C-17, legislation
that would decriminalize possession of still significant amounts of marijuana.

"Last week, RCMP officers raided another Quonset hut near Mayerthorpe and
turned up 800 marijuana plants. Marijuana and crystal meth are ruining
lives and harming our communities, while criminals scoff at our laws and
laugh at weak sentences. The RCMP families see the dangers of a soft
approach to marijuana in Bill C-17 and want it scrapped. Will the
government admit it was wrong and scrap its marijuana bill?"

Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said that changes to conditional sentences
are forthcoming, but said that Bill C-17 would continue to be reviewed by
the Commons Justice committee.

"I'm disappointed in the Minister's response," said Merrifield. "We need a
clear commitment to minimum sentences but the government continues to
resist. We owe it to the fallen Mounties and their families to ensure that
the justice system is overhauled, so that dangerous criminals serve
appropriate jail time. We also need to stand stronger against marijuana and
other drug offenders. This government is showing weakness, not strength."

Merrifield and Conservative colleague Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove)
hosted an afternoon reception on Parliament Hill to enable family members
of the four fallen officers to meet with other MPs.