Tories bring in mandatory sentences for serious drug crimes

[CHIMO]

The Conservative government reintroduced legislation on Friday aimed at drug traffickers and organized crime by proposing mandatory jail sentences for serious drug offences.

Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced the proposed measures at RCMP headquarters in Vancouver, a city that has seen a recent spike in gun violence largely attributed to drug-related gang turf wars.

"Our message to potential offenders is clear: if you sell or produce drugs, you will face jail time," the minister said of the measures, which are similar to leglislation that died on the order paper when the last Parliament was dissolved.

It came a day after the Tories announced stiffer mandatory sentences for gang-related crimes, which Prime Minister Stephen Harper said were "essential" to strengthening Canada's criminal justice system.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/02/27/bc-guns-gangs-legislation.html
Last Updated: Friday, February 27, 2009 | 4:47 PM PT

http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/
The punishment may fit the crime -- but does the crime care? The government announces more tough sentencing -- but critics wonder whether it will have any effect.

Unfortunately our CBC does not have the audio available yet. It may be there on Monday? Of course if enough complained we might improve things.
It is the first piece, in the second part, for any that may be interested.