MPs Vote to Support Jay Hill’s
Legislation
to Curb Drug Trafficking Near Schools
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
OTTAWA – In a vote in the House of Commons today,
Members of Parliament endorsed legislation, proposed by
Prince George-Peace River MP Jay Hill, to impose mandatory
sentences for those convicted of drug trafficking near schools.
Hill, who is also Official Opposition House Leader, said
the clear demonstration of all-party support for his private
member’s bill, C-248, by a margin of 218 to 31,
is a signal that most MPs want to put the needs of children
and teens first.
“Over the objections of the justice minister and
the health minister who feared my bill might infringe
upon the rights of drug dealers, the majority of MPs from
all parties obviously felt we must provide real deterrence
to prevent adult drug dealers from preying upon our children
at the very place where they should be focused upon building
prosperous and healthy futures,” said Hill. “Though
the bill has now only passed second reading, meaning its
days are as numbered as this minority parliament’s,
this substantial vote of support means the legislation
is worthy of consideration by the next parliament.”
Bill C-248 proposes to enact mandatory sentences of one
year for a first offence and two years for a subsequent
offence in cases where a person is convicted of trafficking
in a controlled or restricted drug or narcotic within
five hundred metres of an elementary or high school.
Hill cited enforcement as a critical component in efforts
to reduce drug use among children, to be used in conjunction
with ongoing education and drug awareness campaigns. “I
particularly welcome my colleagues’ support for
this legislation because during debate in the House of
Commons, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Justice Minister
actually argued the bill was a bad idea since drug dealers
might not plead guilty if they knew they would be sent
to prison for pushing drugs on kids!”
Hill concluded, “I believe it is our duty as legislators
to provide parents, educators, community workers and police
officers with every tool available to help them combat
drug use among children and teens. Following the next
election, should I be fortunate enough to win the trust
of my constituents once again, I will re-introduce this
legislation.”
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For more information, please contact:
Jay Hill, M.P. (613) 947-4524 or (250) 787-1194
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