LET'S NOT RUSH TO JUSTICE

In the wake of the tragic slaying offour RCMP officers near Mayerthorpe, it
seems all too easy and obvious to call for Parliament to toughen the
criminal sanctions for marijuana grow operators, such as the one
responsible for this horrific act.

However, harsher penalties will not make the problem go away. In fact,
lengthier sentences may encourage other drug producers to heavily arm
themselves. A knee-jerk reaction is never as effective as a
well-thought-out solution.

My grandfather was an RCMP detective, and he would have wished for the
safety of his fellow officers before any extended sentences for drug
suppliers. Our peace officers across the country need and deserve the
maximum protection possible, regardless of concerns for budgetary constraints.

Before we call on Ottawa to pass a reactionary amendment to the Criminal
Code, let's take stock of what really happened. Take the focus away from
the drugs and the car chop shop, and recognize that these were the actions
of a deranged man, who by his father's own admission had a sick fixation
with guns, and a hatred for the police.

Do not forsake the memories of these young officers by demanding a
quick-fix law that will have little, if any, impact on the drug landscape
in this country.

Let us honour these fallen heroes by ensuring that the law enforcement
community in Canada has the protection and the resources it needs to
operate safely and effectively, because above all else we must ensure we
don't suffer another loss like the one near Mayerthorpe.

Mike Lazaruk

Edmonton