Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

FELDSTED: Peddling fentanyl is much more dangerous than the criminal with a handgun, but we are wasting time discussing handgun bans which criminals will ignore



We are doing a lot of hand-wringing, and giving lip service, to the surge in fentanyl overdoses, but we are not taking any positive action to stop the carnage.

We need to bring in very stiff penalties for the possession opioids by other than medical professionals, pharmacists and people with valid prescriptions.  People caught distributing, importing or manufacturing opioids should face prison terms of between 10 and 25 years without bail, reduction for time spent in pre-trial custody, or parole.

They are dealing in illegal and lethal substances extremely harmful to society. 

One hundred and thirty (130) Canadian were killed by criminal use of handguns in 2013. Meantime, in 2016, there were 3,005 opioid-related deaths and the number of opioid related deaths is rising rapidly (3,996 in 2017 – 33% increase)

If 2018 stays on track, the number will be over 5,000 this year.

The criminal peddling fentanyl is much more dangerous than the criminal with a handgun, but we are wasting time discussing handgun bans which criminals will ignore. The penalties must be consistent with the risk of harm and people are dying in large numbers.  

If we want to reduce crime we must stop treating criminals as victims, and treat them as the predators they are. We do not owe a convicted criminal rehabilitation, or the luxuries, he or she lacks when they are locked up. If they want to watch TV and communicate through e-mail, then they must obey the law.

The adult day care centres must go. Prison should not be a place anyone wants to go to, or return to. The era of prisoners demanding amenities many people in our society can’t afford has to end.    

  
John Feldsted
Political Consultant & Strategist
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...
Post a Comment
Read more

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more