Prime Minister Harper Reveals Conservative National Anti-Drug Strategy Help for Addicts; Punishment for Dealers

October 04, 2007

MAPLE RIDGE - Randy Kamp has heard the message loud and clear from his constituents. It's time to crack down on drug dealers, and it's time to offer hope to drug addicts. That's why he's pleased with the National Anti-Drug Strategy that was revealed Thursday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Winnipeg.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was joined by Minister of Health Tony Clement and Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day.

"Our two-track approach will be tough on drug crime and compassionate for victims," said the Prime Minister. "We're simply not going to throw in the towel when the health and safety of our communities is at risk."

The National Anti-Drug strategy will provide $63.8 million over two years to tackle the drug trade. It includes three action plans: preventing illicit drug use among young Canadians; treating people with illicit drug dependencies; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.

Tackling drugs is part of the Conservative plan for safer communities. Since taking office, Canada's New Government has cracked down on street racing; restricted the use of house arrest for serious crimes; and provided funding for 1,000 new RCMP personnel.

"Tackling the problem of drug use is going to take all of us," said the Prime Minister. "Breaking Canada's drug habit will require a huge effort.
But as of today our country is on the road to recovery."

"We've seen that this type of balanced approach works, right here in our riding," said Kamp. "Our communities have shown that we will give a hand up to addicts, while cracking down on dealers and producers who prey on their victims."

"The Conservative government has been tough on crime and we're going to get tough on drug crime," concluded Kamp. "Hopefully the NDP and Liberal parties won't stand in our way as they have in the past."