TORIES WILL TAKE ON CRIME

Over the past few weeks I have been troubled by the headlines from
across our country and within our community. Violent crime rates are
rising and it is time Prime Minister Paul Martin shows a commitment to
protecting Canadian citizens and taking a serious look at the criminal
justice policy proposals myself and my fellow Conservative MPs have
been proposing to deal with emerging crime issues.

It is time that the Liberal government supported the frontline law
enforcement officials across our country that serve to protect our
rights and freedoms each day. On many occasions over the last
parliamentary session, Conservative MPs proposed increased funding for
more police officers only to have Liberals vote against the
legislation and direct more federal funds to the failed gun registry.

The billions that have gone to fund a gun registry that has proven
ineffective at stopping violent gun crime should have gone to increase
the number of police patrolling our streets or guarding our border
with the United States.

The increased use of illegal drugs, particularly crystal meth, is a
problem that has reached epidemic proportions. Conservative MPs are
attempting to find solutions for this problem, which skyrocketed when
the Liberals decreased penalties for marijuana possession, which
resulted in cross-border drug trading.

I support my Conservative colleagues in calling for the
reclassification of crystal meth as a Schedule 1 drug, which would
significantly toughen sentences the courts could impose for
trafficking offenders. It is an idea supported by Canadian police
chiefs but unfortunately the Liberals allowed the last session of
Parliament to end without addressing this extremely important matter.

The Conservative party has repeatedly called on the Liberal government
to implement minimum sentences for violent and repeat offenders. The
Liberal government's brand of revolving door justice has proven
ineffective in serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

I am pleased the Conservative party will be establishing a
cross-country task force on criminal justice. On Thursday, Stephen
Harper announced that the Conservative Party Task Force on Safe
Streets will travel across Canada meeting with victims of crime,
community leaders and frontline law enforcement officials.

I am also pleased to announce Brandon has been confirmed as a stop on
the task force's national tour. The goal of this task force is to gain
a better understanding of the emerging crime issues facing our nation
and to develop enhanced solutions.

I believe that Canadians are looking to their elected officials to
develop policy that protects them, their families and their property.
I will continue to meet with constituents in Brandon-Souris to hear
their concerns regarding criminal justice.

Merv Tweed, MP

Brandon-Souris