Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre proposes mandatory life sentences for those convicted of fentanyl trafficking, arguing it's akin to mass murder. He also plans to repeal changes that ended some mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl-related offences, aiming to protect Canadians from the overdose crisis.
The federal Conservatives are promising to crack down on fentanyl traffickers by introducing mandatory life sentences for those convicted of trafficking, producing or exporting more than 40 mg of the drug. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated that fentanyl trafficking should be recognized as mass murder, comparing it to spraying bullets into a crowd.
He announced that under a Conservative government, traffickers caught with between 20 mg and 40 mg of pure fentanyl would face a mandatory 15-year prison sentence. To achieve this, Poilievre plans to repeal changes made to the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in 2022 that ended some mandatory minimum sentences and permitted conditional sentences or diversion programs for simple possession convictions. These changes were implemented by the Liberal government following the Supreme Court of Canada's 2016 decision striking down several mandatory minimum penalties in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as unconstitutional. Poilievre asserts that his interpretation of the law differs, stating that his proposal not only complies but is required by the Charter. He argues that incarcerating mass murderers who bring these drugs into Canada protects Canadians' Section 7 rights to life, liberty, and security of the person. He pointed out the tragic reality of 49,000 Canadian deaths from opioid overdoses since 2016, emphasizing that even a small amount of fentanyl, as little as two milligrams according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration or a few grains according to Health Canada, can be fatal.Senator Kim Pate, a former law professor and advocate against mandatory minimum penalties, questioned the legal basis of Poilievre's proposal and highlighted the significant financial costs associated with past mandatory minimum laws, including legal challenges and the need for new legislation. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) expressed certainty that a law imposing mandatory life sentences would face legal challenges, stating that Canadian law already allows for life sentences in fentanyl trafficking cases and that courts routinely impose significant double-digit sentences. Shakir Rahim, a lawyer and director of the CCLA's criminal justice program, argued that the broad definition of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which encompasses situations like sharing drugs socially or holding drugs without intent to sell, is why mandatory minimum penalties have been deemed unconstitutional. He believes that such laws disproportionately target vulnerable individuals rather than the actual kingpins.The Conservative leader dismissed the Liberal government's appointment of a 'fentanyl czar' as performative and stated that Canada should not be taking actions solely to please President Trump. He claimed that the focus should be on protecting Canadians from the overdose crisis by providing life-saving treatment and residential treatment options, including sweat lodges for Indigenous people addicted to opioids. Poilievre has previously stated his intention to defund programs that provide prescribed narcotics to individuals at a heightened risk of overdosing due to the toxic street drug supply, criticizing the term 'safer supply' and arguing that such programs enable the sale of prescribed alternatives like hydromorphone on the streets. He has also expressed support for mandatory, involuntary drug treatment for minors and incarcerated individuals. Senator Pate countered that if a tough-on-crime approach truly offered solutions, then the United States, with its long history of such policies, would have already solved the problem
Crime Fentanyl Conservatives Mandatory Minimums Life Sentences Overdose Crisis Pierre Poilievre Justin Trudeau Drug Trafficking Criminal Justice
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ontario Progressive Conservatives and Liberals promise to cover capital costs of Ottawa’s LRTDoug Ford made his commitment at a news conference in Ottawa, while Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie promised her support in a statement that also committed to other transportation measures
Read more »
Poilievre Promises Mandatory Life Sentences for Fentanyl 'Kingpins'Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledges to change the Criminal Code, imposing mandatory life sentences for those convicted of trafficking significant amounts of fentanyl if elected. He argues that the penalty should be equivalent to murder, aiming to curb the flow of the deadly drug.
Read more »
Poilievre Promises Mandatory Life Sentences for Fentanyl TraffickersPierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, announced a policy platform that includes mandatory life sentences for individuals convicted of fentanyl trafficking, production, and distribution exceeding 40mg. This aligns the penalty with that of murder. The Conservatives also propose 15-year sentences for traffickers caught with between 20mg and 40mg of the drug. This announcement comes amidst heightened concerns about fentanyl smuggling, particularly from Canada to the United States, and threats of tariffs from US President Donald Trump. Poilievre emphasizes the need to address the overdose crisis in Canada, pledging to focus on addiction treatment and defunding programs that provide prescribed narcotics.
Read more »
Conservatives Propose Life Sentences for Major Fentanyl TraffickersConservative leader Pierre Poilievre unveils a tough-on-crime approach to the fentanyl crisis, calling for life sentences for major traffickers.
Read more »
Poilievre would impose mandatory life sentences for trafficking over 40 mg of fentanylThe Conservative Party also wants traffickers caught with between 20 mg and 40 mg of the drug to be sentenced to 15 years in prison
Read more »
Poilievre Promises Mandatory Life Sentences for Fentanyl TraffickersConservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced a policy that would impose mandatory life sentences for individuals convicted of trafficking, producing, or distributing over 40 mg of fentanyl. He also stated that possession between 20 mg and 40 mg would result in a 15-year sentence. This announcement comes amidst US President Donald Trump's complaints about fentanyl entering the US from Canada and threats of imposing tariffs. Poilievre emphasized the need to address the fentanyl crisis independently from US pressure, while reiterating his commitment to treating addiction and opposing programs that provide prescribed narcotics.
Read more »