PREMIER OUTLINES PLANS TO FIGHT GROW OPS AT MEETING IN HOCKLEY

Media grills premier on health care, B grade for government

Local police officers may get a helping hand in their fight against illegal
drugs, as the provincial government is set to table a new law aimed at
cracking down on home marijuana grow operations.

In addressing the OPP brass at the group's 50th annual general meeting, held
at the Hockley Valley Resort Oct. 19, Premier Dalton McGuinty outlined his
government's plan to help police counter a ballooning drug enterprise.

"We need to be constantly vigilant against crime," McGuinty said in his
opening remarks. "We are determined to work with you to protect (the people
of Ontario)."

The speech on how to better arm police officers in fighting grow ops was one
of several topics the premier touched on. McGuinty also talked about getting
tough on child pornography and family violence, as well as issues of health
care and education.

If passed, the proposed legislation would give authorities more power to
thwart would-be marijuana producers.

For example, it would allow hydro companies to disconnect electricity
service without notice, and give building officials the go-ahead to inspect
homes police confirm as grow ops.

In addition, the new bill would double the maximum fines for people who
tamper with hydro wires to bring in more heat, something often done in home
marijuana grow operations.

The legislation would also see the establishment of a "special purpose
account" where funds garnered through the selling off of seized assets such
as property, vehicles and other equipment would be spent on police
enforcement, crime prevention and compensating victims.

"This is a significant step forward," McGuinty said.

The push for the legislation was backed up by a report compiled by the
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police last year. The Green Tide Report
reveals that in 2002 marijuana grow ventures cost the province of Ontario
nearly $100 million, a dollar figure that stems largely from the amount of
electricity these operations steal from utilities.

It also illustrates the impact marijuana operations have on Ontario's social
and health care landscape. In 2002 for instance, 17 per cent of grow
operations in York, Peel and Waterloo regions, were located within 500
metres of a primary or secondary school.

Provincial authorities estimate that marijuana has become a multi-billion
dollar industry in Ontario.

The push to crack down on marijuana grow operations couldn't have come at a
better time, as local police officers continue to uncover illegal drug
activity in the area.

Most recently, Shelburne Police, in conjunction with the RCMP, seized 344
plants worth about $300,000, as well as equipment, during a raid on a local
home on Oct. 14.

In their investigation, officers also found that a hydro meter connected to
the home had been bypassed or altered.

This was just the latest of many police investigations, yielding millions of
dollars worth of marijuana, conducted in Dufferin County in the last few
months.

But all the talk about crime fighting didn't dissuade the media from nailing
the premier on a number of other issues, including health care.

In a scrum following his speech, reporters questioned McGuinty about the
recent controversy surrounding provincial health minister George Smitherman.

Smitherman has been accused of intimidating staff at Toronto's Sick Kids
Hospital into keeping quiet about potential budget cuts.

A high-level official at Sick Kids was quoted this week as saying that the
hospital may have to close operating rooms or increase patient waiting lists
to scale down budget deficits.

The health care facility is currently facing a $45 million shortfall.

Subsequently, the vice-president of the Toronto-based hospital resigned
Monday, prompting allegations that she was punished for speaking out to the
media.

"Do you think Smitherman should resign?" one reporter asked.

McGuinty responded by saying he has complete confidence in his minister's
ability to head the portfolio.

"I'm sure there is going to be some healthy and vigorous exchanges from time
to time," he said.

McGuinty was also asked if he was concerned that placing health care
premiums and costs on residents would hinder grassroots efforts to raise
money for health care.

Locally, health care professionals and community members recently embarked
on an ambitious campaign to raise funds for new equipment for Headwaters
Health Care Centre and to recruit new doctors to the area.

The group, which launched its fundraising drive last month, is hoping to
reach its $5.7 million target by November.

But McGuinty said that tagging on new premiums and costs for services like
eye exams and physiotherapy would not deter residents from pulling more out
of their own pockets to boost health care causes.

"The people of Ontario have always come together (in times of need) and have
worked to raise funds for whatever reason," McGuinty told The Banner. "I see
no reason why that would change now."

Ontario's top politician was also questioned about the recent "B" grade he
gave his government's performance over the last year.

The less than perfect grade came in conjunction with a new progress report
issued by the Liberals this week, outlining both their accomplishments and
plans for the future.

"Foolishly I said I give myself a B," McGuinty said. "What I should have
said is 'I will leave it up to the people of Ontario to decide.'"

McGuinty stressed that his government is ultimately working hard to reverse
years of neglect in areas like education and health care.