Kootenay-Columbia’s MP says a pair of House of Commons Bills working in tandem could make it hard to find proper solutions to Cranbrook’s growing crime rate.
Rob Morrison says if Bill C-5 passes, it could augment Bill C-75’s existing offender release legislation would reduce minimum sentences for many offences, including several related to drug crimes.
Morrison says more resources are needed in rural communities like Cranbrook to help those who are struggling with addiction.
“We need prevention,” Morrison says. “I don’t believe that by continuing to supply heroin, cocaine, crystal meth to individuals is going to solve any problems. We need to actually get into some successful rehabs and reintegrate these individuals into our communities.”
The Justice Committee which Morrison sits on recently heard from Cranbrook’s Kathy Durham – who spoke on some of the challenges her business has been facing due to crime spurred by substance use.
Find more information from Morrison’s office below:
As you are aware, MP Morrison has been actively working to find solutions to the growing crime issues in Cranbrook. Your coverage of his first meeting with local businesses (at Top Crop), resulted in an official visit (Zoom) from Attorney General Eby with city council, where he acknowledged the problem in Cranbrook and pointed the finger at the Trudeau government, and Bill C-75 specifically.
As it happens, MP Morrison currently sits on the Justice and Human Rights Committee where they are studying Bill C-5. That Bill, if passed, will reduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain offences, including several related to drug crime. Bill C-75 and Bill C-5 working in tandem stand to make the situation in Cranbrook even more difficult.
Because of the AGs comments, MP Morrison was able to address the issue in Parliament this week. The transcript of that is below, video attached and link here: https://youtu.be/hnQPn15t2UA.
Finally, MP Morrison was successful in arranging for a Cranbrook resident, Kathy Durham, to testify at Justice Committee tomorrow (Friday). She will speak to local crime issues here in Cranbrook as they pertain to Bill C-5 and will be questioned by Members of the Committee. You’ll be able to watch that testimony at the following link:
https://parlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20220513/-1/37058
– Rob Morrison – Kootenay-Columbia MP
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