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Here is the e-mail I sent to my MP:
I was extremely disappointed to see a reintroduction of a bill tabled in November 2007. Bill C-15 seeks to impose mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. These amendments seem to have been based off the draconian laws that were developed in America's failed War on Drugs. America's misguided laws have brought Mexico to it's knees with drug funded criminal organizations on the verge of destroying the country.
It has been proven time and again that deterrence is not a successful method to solve criminal issues. Drugs are a public health issue, and should be addressed as such. I firmly believe that Canada should be moving the opposite direction then the one shown by Justice Minister Rob Nicholson.
I hope to see strict opposition to this bill during its second reading.
Regards,
And here is my MP's response:
Thank you for taking the time to e-mail me with your thoughts on Bill C-15 (An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts). This Bill would introduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious drug offences.
This Bill is part of the Conservative government’s so-called “Tough on Crime” legislation. Despite overwhelming evidence that mandatory minimum sentences have no effect on drug use, they have introduced Bill C-15. If passed, it would apply mandatory minimum sentences to serious drug offences, such as trafficking and production.
The Liberal Party would like to examine this Bill at Justice Committee, where it will go if passed at second reading. The Conservatives will have to provide concrete evidence that they believe these proposals will work to make Canada a safer place, and show that they are not pursuing this crime agenda simply to score political points.
Thank you again for taking the time to e-mail me.
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