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April 12, 2006

BC proposes changes to help municipalities shut down marijuana grow ops

A pilot project targeting Surrey grow ops last year has led to proposed amendments to the Safety Standards Act that, if passed, will give BC municipalities the power to identify and shut down marijuana grow ops in residential neighbourhoods through the tracking of unusual patterns of electricity use. The initiative is aimed at reducing fire hazards posed by improper electrical conditions. However, the proposed amendments also raise issues related to privacy and search warrants, specifically whether the changes will dilute current protections in place against unlawful searches. Click here for a recent CBC story including an interview with Surrey Fire Chief, Len Garis and the President of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, Richard Rosenberg.

Bill 25: Safety Standards Amendment Act, 2006

Press release on proposed amendments to the Safety Standards Act.

Posted by BCCLB at 11:33 PM

Harper confirms no change to penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana

In addition, to promising tough reforms to Canada’s criminal justice system the PM also assured those in attendance at his address to the Canadian Professional Police Association (see yesterday’s post for audio link) that his government will not reintroduce legislation drafted by the Liberals to reduce the penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Click here for a brief overview.

Posted by BCCLB at 09:28 PM

April 11, 2006

New PM Promises Serious Time for Serious Crimes

Prime Minister elect, Stephen Harper’s April 3rd key note address to the Canadian Professional Police Association re-iterated the Conservative party's campaign promises to get tough on crime. Harper's remarks revealed plans to impose mandatory minimum prison sentences for drug crimes, weapons offences and crimes committed while on parole, end conditional sentences for serious crimes (like weapons offences), and repeal the “faint hope clause” in the Criminal Code that allows a convicted person serving a life sentence to apply for early parole. The Prime Minister’s speech suggests that measures to toughen the federal justice system may not be far off.

Posted by BCCLB at 10:00 AM