Dear Editor:
In this Thanksgiving week, we on the North Shore have plenty for which to be grateful. An Oct. 7 letter to the editor, Insite Decision Merits MP Comment, begs the question: What in the Supreme Court of Canada's Insite decision should make us thankful?
The decision - available at scc.lexum.org/en/2011/ 2011scc44/2011scc44.html - rejected the government of Canada's position, concluding that a drug addict's charter right to life, liberty and security of the person trumped the government's argument that threatened Insite's continued operation, due to public safety concerns. Most reasonable Canadians understand there are compelling arguments on both sides of this equation. I'm thankful for several things.
Firstly, that we have an independent judiciary, a bulwark in defence of human rights, no matter what government is in control.
Secondly, I'm thankful for parts of the government's argument that were upheld, such as its valid role in enacting criminal laws to control illicit drug use, even if those laws overlapped with provincial jurisdiction over health. Furthermore, the court made clear that the operation of Insite was subject to important,
ongoing standards: that the facility be "effective in reducing the risk of death and disease and . . . (have) no negative impact on the legitimate criminal law objectives of the federal government (para. 140)." As the court stated, "the minister should not be precluded from withdrawing an exemption to Insite should changed circumstances at Insite so require (para. 149)."
Thirdly, I'm thankful for people in our riding, such as those at Linwood House Ministries, who do their best to help drugaddicted persons in the Downtown Eastside.
As your MP, I support the government's continued investment in prevention and treatment. With the guidance and support of people in the community, I'll continue work that led to the passage in March, 2011 of my private member's bill, C-475, which tackled crystal meth and ecstasy drugs. I support Attorney-General Rob Nicholson's bill, the Safe Streets and Communities Act, which increases penalties for drug traffickers. And, through my parliamentary fitness initiative and Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq's agenda to fight childhood obesity, I'm committed to make our country the healthiest nation on earth.
John Weston, MP West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
