New Democrats on minimum sentences for drug crimes - Canada - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

B. Friendly · 05-19-2010, 08:30 PM

A couple letters I received from MR. JACK LAYTON

1. Thank you for your past email outlining your concerns over marijuana
laws in Canada.

Regrettably, the Conservative government has reintroduced legislation to
impose mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. Bill S-10, an Act to
amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, follows up on their flawed
legislation from last session, Bill C-15.

New Democrats opposed Bill C-15 and continue to believe that this type
of legislation is wrong-headed and costly. The attached letter by my
colleague and NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy Libby Davies, MP expands
on our position.

Looking forward, we remain committed to seeking other alternatives to
the Conservatives' heavy-handed US-style war-on-drugs approach. We think
it is time for a common sense drug strategy in Canada, one that
addresses drug use from a public health perspective.

Again, I appreciate hearing from you. All the best.

Sincerely,

Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada's New Democrats

2.

May, 2010
Dear Friend,
Thanks for your email outlining your opposition to Bill S-10, an Act to amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.
I share your concerns and have been working at every turn to stop this failed, George Bush style war-on-drugs Bill that proposes mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes.
My NDP colleagues and I voted a resounding NO when this Bill was introduced in the House as Bill C-15, but it was passed with the support of the Liberal Party. Now we have a second chance to stop this wrong-headed and costly legislation.
The Conservative Government knows that mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes don’t work. After weeks of debate, testimony and studies delivered by extraordinary expert witnesses at a Parliamentary Justice Committee on the issue, the evidence was clear that mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes do not work. Organizations like the John Howard Society, the Canadian Bar Association and Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network all warned that these sentences mostly target low-level drug users and street dealers, and not the drug-lords and king-pins that the Conservatives have promised to go after.
Canada spends 73% of its drug policy budget on enforcement for what is essentially a public health issue. I will continue to push for the proven four pillar approach to drug use – including enforcement, but with real resources going to prevention, treatment and harm reduction. The Conservatives' iron fisted approach that criminalizes drug users is taking Canada in the wrong direction.
Sincerely,
Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East
NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy

B. Friendly · 05-19-2010, 10:12 PM

I can no longer vote Conservative

what now, Liberal or NDP???????????

jarff · 05-20-2010, 03:11 AM

Theyl,l tell you what they think you want to hear....for your vote...
Beware of strangers bearing gifts

jarf

B. Friendly · 05-20-2010, 04:14 AM

Do you believe this, yes know???????
I am gonna respond and ask Jack to send me the vote of his pary on this issue

amrad · 05-20-2010, 06:00 AM

The NDP have always advocated the decriminalization of Pot for personal use in small amounts. Their outlook on criminality and society is at polar opposites to the Cons. as a socialist leaning party, less so now than in the past, they believe that if a person is nutured in a loving gentle atmosphere they will for the most part grow up to be gentle loving people.
The Con's believe we as humans are basically flawed, greedy and mean spirited. And that the only thing that enables us to live in a civil society is a rigid code of social and criminal laws. Therefor when ever you have a right wing conservative party in power, be prepared for lots of tightening of laws, bigger police force and more emphases on old time religion, after all their attitudes are taken right from the old testament. The Liberal and NDP are more new testament, forgiveness of sin, everyone deserves a second chance ext.
Just look at the founders of the various parties, Tommy Douglas was a minister. And of course we borrowed the other two parties from the Brits. But the liberals in Britain were always more for the common people, while the Con's represented the elites.
Sooo be careful how you vote, and do a bit of reading. :}

apartmentblower · 05-20-2010, 06:03 AM

I would say vote Libertarian for a party that truly would further our interests regarding drug use but due to the fucked up first past the post system you would basically be throwing your vote away.

do u ever watch parliamentary proceedings???? I get the feeling from viewing those monkeys that they are more interested in choosing whatever platform discredits their opposition and supports the longevity of their careers rather than any altruistic means. we saw libs vote for c-15 didn't we???

amrad · 05-20-2010, 04:23 PM

yep you are so right!
Unless and until we get electoral reform, like a elected senate, and proportional representation, we will forever be held hostage by the bandits.
And until people educate themselves and realize that politics rule every facet of your life. From your freedom to alter your consciousness, to what age you can drive and vote. To whether you can afford your own home. There is not one aspect of life that isn't influenced by politics. Ya even sex, anal sex was a criminal offense until the sixties, punishable by a prison term. The politicians were even up the asshole of the populace LOL I guess they liked it so much there still thereLOL
sooooo, if you want legalization of cannabis, its best to vote left of center. So far they seem to be most favorable to liberalizing the drug laws.

B. Friendly · 05-20-2010, 09:04 PM

We saw the Libs back down when Chretian had the opportunity to decriminilize, Chretian was even making jokes like don't start smoking so fast, he was indicating that leagalization was on the horizon,

the NDP has so many old supporters that they will not be infavour.

It's a catch 22, I will not vote conservative ever again, sorry fucked up last election.

CareFreeLivin · 05-20-2010, 09:21 PM

I've voted conservative the two elections I have been eligible to vote. Part of the learning process, imo. If the liberals oppose this legislation in the house then I will vote for them in the next election, but if they fail to do so, I guess my vote would head to the NDP.

Hashmasta-Kut · 05-20-2010, 09:36 PM

i cant believe any pothhead had to go thru that learning process.

05-19-2010, 08:30 PM	#1
B. Friendly "IBIUBU" Sayeith the Dude Join Date: May 2009 Location: dudeism.com Posts: 3,848	New Democrats on minimum sentences for drug crimes A couple letters I received from MR. JACK LAYTON 1. Thank you for your past email outlining your concerns over marijuana laws in Canada. Regrettably, the Conservative government has reintroduced legislation to impose mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. Bill S-10, an Act to amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, follows up on their flawed legislation from last session, Bill C-15. New Democrats opposed Bill C-15 and continue to believe that this type of legislation is wrong-headed and costly. The attached letter by my colleague and NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy Libby Davies, MP expands on our position. Looking forward, we remain committed to seeking other alternatives to the Conservatives' heavy-handed US-style war-on-drugs approach. We think it is time for a common sense drug strategy in Canada, one that addresses drug use from a public health perspective. Again, I appreciate hearing from you. All the best. Sincerely, Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth) Leader, Canada's New Democrats 2. May, 2010 Dear Friend, Thanks for your email outlining your opposition to Bill S-10, an Act to amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act. I share your concerns and have been working at every turn to stop this failed, George Bush style war-on-drugs Bill that proposes mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. My NDP colleagues and I voted a resounding NO when this Bill was introduced in the House as Bill C-15, but it was passed with the support of the Liberal Party. Now we have a second chance to stop this wrong-headed and costly legislation. The Conservative Government knows that mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes don’t work. After weeks of debate, testimony and studies delivered by extraordinary expert witnesses at a Parliamentary Justice Committee on the issue, the evidence was clear that mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes do not work. Organizations like the John Howard Society, the Canadian Bar Association and Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network all warned that these sentences mostly target low-level drug users and street dealers, and not the drug-lords and king-pins that the Conservatives have promised to go after. Canada spends 73% of its drug policy budget on enforcement for what is essentially a public health issue. I will continue to push for the proven four pillar approach to drug use – including enforcement, but with real resources going to prevention, treatment and harm reduction. The Conservatives' iron fisted approach that criminalizes drug users is taking Canada in the wrong direction. Sincerely, Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy __________________ Puff and "B.Friendly" "It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under" When mankind first saw the necessity of government, it is probable that many had conceived the desire of ruling. Thomas Clarkson "The world runs on the initiative of about 5% of the people; the rest need orders. The consensus of the other 95% on the subject of one's relatonship with: government-banks-tax agencies-courts and corporations (all separate realms) is defective in that such inert abstractions have been accorded superiority over living beings. Governments are transitory mental contrivances set up by the clever few for the purpose of living off the efforts of the trusting many - a generalization, yes, but also the TRUTH." Cracking the Code, 3rd edition
	Quote

05-19-2010, 10:12 PM	#2
B. Friendly "IBIUBU" Sayeith the Dude Join Date: May 2009 Location: dudeism.com Posts: 3,848	I can no longer vote Conservative what now, Liberal or NDP??????????? __________________ Puff and "B.Friendly" "It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under" When mankind first saw the necessity of government, it is probable that many had conceived the desire of ruling. Thomas Clarkson "The world runs on the initiative of about 5% of the people; the rest need orders. The consensus of the other 95% on the subject of one's relatonship with: government-banks-tax agencies-courts and corporations (all separate realms) is defective in that such inert abstractions have been accorded superiority over living beings. Governments are transitory mental contrivances set up by the clever few for the purpose of living off the efforts of the trusting many - a generalization, yes, but also the TRUTH." Cracking the Code, 3rd edition
	Quote

05-20-2010, 03:11 AM	#3
jarff Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Maritimes Posts: 594	Theyl,l tell you what they think you want to hear....for your vote... Beware of strangers bearing gifts jarf __________________ "If clues were shoes a lot of ppl. would be bare-footed"
	Quote

05-20-2010, 04:14 AM	#4
B. Friendly "IBIUBU" Sayeith the Dude Join Date: May 2009 Location: dudeism.com Posts: 3,848	Do you believe this, yes know??????? I am gonna respond and ask Jack to send me the vote of his pary on this issue __________________ Puff and "B.Friendly" "It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under" When mankind first saw the necessity of government, it is probable that many had conceived the desire of ruling. Thomas Clarkson "The world runs on the initiative of about 5% of the people; the rest need orders. The consensus of the other 95% on the subject of one's relatonship with: government-banks-tax agencies-courts and corporations (all separate realms) is defective in that such inert abstractions have been accorded superiority over living beings. Governments are transitory mental contrivances set up by the clever few for the purpose of living off the efforts of the trusting many - a generalization, yes, but also the TRUTH." Cracking the Code, 3rd edition
	Quote

05-20-2010, 06:00 AM	#5
amrad Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: canada Posts: 238	The NDP have always advocated the decriminalization of Pot for personal use in small amounts. Their outlook on criminality and society is at polar opposites to the Cons. as a socialist leaning party, less so now than in the past, they believe that if a person is nutured in a loving gentle atmosphere they will for the most part grow up to be gentle loving people. The Con's believe we as humans are basically flawed, greedy and mean spirited. And that the only thing that enables us to live in a civil society is a rigid code of social and criminal laws. Therefor when ever you have a right wing conservative party in power, be prepared for lots of tightening of laws, bigger police force and more emphases on old time religion, after all their attitudes are taken right from the old testament. The Liberal and NDP are more new testament, forgiveness of sin, everyone deserves a second chance ext. Just look at the founders of the various parties, Tommy Douglas was a minister. And of course we borrowed the other two parties from the Brits. But the liberals in Britain were always more for the common people, while the Con's represented the elites. Sooo be careful how you vote, and do a bit of reading. :}
	Quote

05-20-2010, 06:03 AM	#6
apartmentblower Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 577	I would say vote Libertarian for a party that truly would further our interests regarding drug use but due to the fucked up first past the post system you would basically be throwing your vote away. do u ever watch parliamentary proceedings???? I get the feeling from viewing those monkeys that they are more interested in choosing whatever platform discredits their opposition and supports the longevity of their careers rather than any altruistic means. we saw libs vote for c-15 didn't we???
	Quote

05-20-2010, 04:23 PM	#7
amrad Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: canada Posts: 238	yep you are so right! Unless and until we get electoral reform, like a elected senate, and proportional representation, we will forever be held hostage by the bandits. And until people educate themselves and realize that politics rule every facet of your life. From your freedom to alter your consciousness, to what age you can drive and vote. To whether you can afford your own home. There is not one aspect of life that isn't influenced by politics. Ya even sex, anal sex was a criminal offense until the sixties, punishable by a prison term. The politicians were even up the asshole of the populace LOL I guess they liked it so much there still thereLOL sooooo, if you want legalization of cannabis, its best to vote left of center. So far they seem to be most favorable to liberalizing the drug laws.
	Quote

05-20-2010, 09:04 PM	#8
B. Friendly "IBIUBU" Sayeith the Dude Join Date: May 2009 Location: dudeism.com Posts: 3,848	We saw the Libs back down when Chretian had the opportunity to decriminilize, Chretian was even making jokes like don't start smoking so fast, he was indicating that leagalization was on the horizon, the NDP has so many old supporters that they will not be infavour. It's a catch 22, I will not vote conservative ever again, sorry fucked up last election. __________________ Puff and "B.Friendly" "It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under" When mankind first saw the necessity of government, it is probable that many had conceived the desire of ruling. Thomas Clarkson "The world runs on the initiative of about 5% of the people; the rest need orders. The consensus of the other 95% on the subject of one's relatonship with: government-banks-tax agencies-courts and corporations (all separate realms) is defective in that such inert abstractions have been accorded superiority over living beings. Governments are transitory mental contrivances set up by the clever few for the purpose of living off the efforts of the trusting many - a generalization, yes, but also the TRUTH." Cracking the Code, 3rd edition
	Quote

05-20-2010, 09:21 PM	#9
CareFreeLivin Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 187	I've voted conservative the two elections I have been eligible to vote. Part of the learning process, imo. If the liberals oppose this legislation in the house then I will vote for them in the next election, but if they fail to do so, I guess my vote would head to the NDP.
	Quote

05-20-2010, 09:36 PM	#10
Hashmasta-Kut honey oil addict Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Van[:]Isle Posts: 3,699	i cant believe any pothhead had to go thru that learning process. __________________ Never Trust Somebody Who Says Never Trust A Hippie !
	Quote