MP Rob Moore Calls on Liberals to Reverse the Gutting of Legislation to Tackle Serious Drug Crimes

December 15, 2009 -- Hampton, New Brunswick -- MP Rob Moore today called upon Michael Ignatieff and his Liberals to reverse the gutting of Bill C-15 by their colleagues in the Senate. The legislation, which would establish mandatory penalties for serious drug crimes, has been before the Senate since last June. Amendments passed by Liberal Senators have created major loopholes and have further delayed this urgently-needed legislation.

"The Liberals claim to support our tough on crime measures in the House of Commons, yet when the cameras are off they do everything they can to gut, derail, delay, or block our legislation in the Senate," said MP Moore.

Law enforcement organizations across the country agree that illicit drug production is the most significant source of money for gangs and organized crime. One of the amendments put forward by the Liberal Senators removed the mandatory penalty targeting drug producers caught with between five and 200 marijuana plants. This loophole will allow gangs and organized crime to grow for the purpose of trafficking 100 to 200 marijuana plants in five or six different locations without fear of facing jail time.

"Just as they tried to gut our Government's legislation ending two-for-one credit for time served, the Liberals have shown once again that they're soft on crime. We need Michael Ignatieff and his Liberal colleagues to stand against the gangs who exploit Canada's most vulnerable citizens, including our youth," MP Moore added.

Bill C-15 proposes mandatory prison sentences, when for example:
  • the offence of trafficking is carried out for organized crime purposes or a weapon or violence is involved;
  • the drug is sold to youth or the trafficking offence takes place near a school or an area normally frequented by youth; and
  • the production of the illegal drug constitutes a potential security, health or safety hazard to children or a residential community.
In addition, under this legislation the maximum penalties for drug production would increase from seven to 14 years. The mandatory sentences contained in Bill C-15 do not apply to simple possession offences.

Rob Moore is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and the MP for Fundy Royal.

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William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of Rob Moore, M.P. Fundy Royal
(613) 996-2316