Bill C15 - Justice Delayed

It was with shock and surprise that I learned that Canada has become a major player in the worldwide supply of illegal drugs. This unfortunate distinction is based on the United Nations Drug report released June 24, 2009. It seems that this report suggested more stringent regulations in the United States has forced production to migrate to Canada, due to weaker laws regarding the production and distribution of these drugs. As a father of two young school age children this concerns me greatly. Back in June 25, I attended my eldest daughter's final assembly at her elementary school. With the new school year, she's now attending the middle school in our neighborhood. Now that she'll be going to a larger school with older children, there is a greater chance that she may come into contact with people involved in trafficking or using illegal drugs and this worries me.

Bill C-15 would enforce minimum mandatory jail sentences for anyone selling drugs near a school. I believe that this is a step in the right direction. Now that this bill has passed the House of Commons vote, it is up to the Senate to pass this legislation. Second reading debate of this bill was opened on June 16. However, on June 22 the Liberal dominated Senate voted to reject the government's bill, opting instead to resume debate in the fall. The Liberals stalling tactics in the Senate equate to little more than political games at the cost of our children’s safety. Now if the Liberals force a fall election, this important legislation would evaporate completely. If so, criminals will be the only winners.