FEDS FAILING IN METH FIGHT

Local conservative MP Randy Kamp called on the Federal Liberals last
week, demanding to know what they are planning to do to address what
he calls the blossoming use of crystal meth here and across the country.

And according to Kamp, he wasn't satisfied with the answer he received
from justice minister.

"In November, I asked the Minister of Justice if he had any programs
or plans in place to combat the growing use of this insidious
narcotic. He indicated that he did not and said that this was a matter
for Health Canada," said Kamp, in a press release.

"Frankly, I was shocked that the Minister of Justice did not think he
had a significant role to play in combating this drug, which is
destroying lives right across this country."

Locally, Kamp sits as a member of Meadowridge Rotary-led task force
aimed at ridding Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows of crystal meth use and
those who deal the deadly drug.

"The communities in my riding are not waiting for the federal
government to get its act together," said Kamp. "In Maple Ridge, a
task force has developed a comprehensive action plan to combat crystal
meth in that community. I have been a member of that task force and I
am proud of the work that we are doing to make our community a better
place.

The meth campaign kicked off last summer and recently published in the
TIMES a comprehensive overview of what the task force is made of and
what will be included in a 16-page booklet created to educate the
public on the evils of meth.

Kamp says he's urging the Paul Martin government to design its own
anti-meth program.

"Once again, I have a question for the minister. What is the federal
government doing to address this problem? What is its integrated plan
of action? Where are its programs to assist communities that have been
shocked by the speed with which crystal meth has invaded their towns?
Where are the federal laws and regulations which will deter production
and distribution of crystal meth? What is the government doing
specifically to address the growing problem of crystal meth?
Continuing to ignore the problem is no longer an option."

The local MP says he's also calling for more stringent sentences for
meth dealers.

"Members of the RCMP in my riding have expressed frustration with the
light sentences handed out to producers and distributors of crystal
meth. Clearly the federal government has a role to play in beefing up
our laws so that drug pushers who prey on our children receive serious
deterrents, including serious jail time," said Kamp.

"Instead, if they are prosecuted at all, many receive nothing more
than conditional sentences. More and more Canadians are calling for
mandatory minimum sentences for these criminals. I agree with those
sentiments."