Cracking Down on Impaired Driving

July 02, 2008

Few acts are as dangerous as driving a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Every year, far too many Canadians are seriously injured or killed due to the irresponsible actions of impaired drivers.

That is why the Conservative Government is taking real action. Under new rules that take effect today, those who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are subject to much more severe penalties, including higher maximum sentences and mandatory jail time for repeat offenders.

The Conservative Government is also empowering law enforcement professionals to stop impaired drivers before they can do any harm. Police will now have access to the tools they need to test if someone is under the influence of drugs. Those who drive while stoned are as much a risk as those who drive drunk. The Conservative Government’s new law sends a clear message: drug-impaired driving will not be tolerated.

Anti drunk-driving advocates have praised the Conservative Government’s new rules. Margaret Miller, National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said: “With greater public awareness and the new federal laws, our hope is that we can all enjoy the summer without any needless death or injury as a result of impaired driving."

The Conservative Government’s commitment to get tough on drug criminals stands in stark contrast to the weak, turn-a-blind-eye approach of the previous Liberal government. During their 13 years in office, the Liberals failed to take the dangers of drug use seriously; they even went so far as to propose laws that would decriminalize certain recreational drugs. This soft on crime approach continued under Stéphane Dion when he allowed his caucus to play political games that delayed by months the passage of these crucial new laws.

While the Stéphane Dion Liberals continue to make excuses for their record of weak leadership and inaction, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government will continue to deliver real results to keep Canadian streets safe.

Real Leadership. Real Results. Safer Streets for all Canadians.