'CRYSTAL' MAKERS IGNORED: 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 vigor 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 Orillia Today, 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.

Despite his ill-fated attempt to broaden the scope of the bill, Dunlop was
successful in amending the legislation to ensure municipal authorities play
a role in the inspection of properties that house grow ops.

The bill could be approved by early fall.