BILL SHOULD INCLUDE CRYSTAL METH: MPP

A law targeting indoor marijuana growers falls drastically short of
the mark by ignoring other drugs that are crippling communities across
North America, charges Garfield Dunlop.

The local MPP says the Ontario government is failing to attack
producers of crystal methamphetamine with the same vigour as the grow
ops that are being targeted under legislation that gives police and
utility officials sweeping new powers.

"Any kind of an illegal drug that becomes a public safety issue should
be included in this legislation," he said. "This was just a fancy
announcement to show they are doing something. But they didn't want to
touch crystal meth."

Dunlop argues that bill 128 doesn't go far enough, and fails to
address the rising popularity of highly addictive stimulants, like
crystal meth, a drug police say is migrating to Ontario from Canada's
western provinces.

"It is a huge, huge problem and they are only putting a dint in it
right now," he added. "We are passing legislation that is only a half
version of what it should be."

Under the proposed law, proceeds from the sale of real estate,
vehicles and other goods seized from indoor pot farms would be spent
on law enforcement, crime prevention and compensating victims. The
legislation would also empower local hydro companies to disconnect
service to grow-ops without warning, and double penalties for fire
code violations.

Building inspections would become mandatory for all homes harbouring
grow ops, with repairs ordered for those deemed unsafe.

"This is a fight the police can't win alone," Community Safety and
Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter said. "With a concerted
effort by all involved, our neighbourhoods and communities will be
safer places to live."

Dunlop argues that expansive new powers, allowed under the
legislation, should apply equally to homes occupied by laboratories
where crystal meth, ecstasy and other drugs are manufactured.

An amendment to that effect, proposed by Dunlop, was flatly
rejected.

"What is the downside to making the bill stronger?" he added. "I just
don't understand it."

Reached by The Mirror, a ministry spokesperson said the task force
responsible for the grow-op bill is now preparing to tackle crystal
meth.

"We need a good wholesome solution," said Andrew Hilton. He said the
legislation was tailored specifically to address the problem of indoor
grow ops, and would be difficult, if not impossible, to apply to other
drugs.

"Crystal meth is a different kettle of fish," he added. "The labs
themselves are different.

"It is a bit of a different scenario, and different in terms of how
you find them and the powers you can use to shut them down," he added.

The province additionally supports a call for Ottawa to introduce
tougher penalties for those involved in the production and sale of
crystal meth, Hilton said. "We want to work with the federal
government," he added.

The bill could be approved by early fall.