News Release

2005-88
August 11, 2005
For immediate release

Government of Canada increases maximum penalties for Methamphetamine offences

OTTAWA - Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh, Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada Irwin Cotler, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan, today announced that the Government of Canada has increased the maximum penalties for possession, trafficking, importation, exportation and production of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, or meth.

"There are significant health, social and economic harms caused by methamphetamine, not only for users, but for communities as well," said Minister Dosanjh. "As part of the Government of Canada's continuing work on Canada's Drug Strategy, we have taken action to bring the penalties for methamphetamine offences in line with those substances that pose a comparable level of risk to health and safety, such as cocaine."

Methamphetamine has been moved to Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which provides access to the highest maximum penalties. The maximum penalty for production and distribution of methamphetamine has increased from 10 years to life in prison.

"It is not only a matter of law enforcement but a matter of the protection of human rights, in particular, the rights of victims. The law must therefore not only reflect the seriousness of the offense but its impact on families and communities," said Minister Cotler. "The most serious cases will be dealt with by a team of designated federal prosecutors, who will have specially developed tools to assist them in conveying to the courts the full impact of the production and distribution of this harmful substance."

"Today's announcement is a key step towards addressing the health and public safety issues associated with methamphetamine use," added Minister McLellan. "Together with law enforcement efforts across the country, these changes will help curb illicit trafficking of this drug. I look forward to continued cooperation with other levels of government and our stakeholders to address this important issue."

Earlier this year, Health Canada also proposed amendments to add four substances used in the production of methamphetamine to the list of controlled chemicals under the Precursor Control Regulations. The illegal possession of these "precursor chemicals," for the purposes of producing a controlled substance such as methamphetamine, would become an offence resulting in either a fine of up to $5000, up to three years imprisonment or both. Together, these actions support education and treatment programs already being undertaken across the country by various levels of government and community organizations.

Canada's Drug Strategy, which was renewed in May 2003, is the Government of Canada's response to addressing the harmful use of substances. The Strategy takes a balanced approach to reducing both the demand for, and supply of, drugs and includes measures to inform Canadians, and particularly youth, about the real harms of all forms of substance abuse.

In support of this, Health Canada has undertake a number of important initiatives. Health Canada works to monitor and address the diversion of chemicals that have legitimate uses, but are instead used in the illegal production of illicit synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine. Health Canada has many partners in addressing diversion, including the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agencyand Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, their provincial and territorial counterparts, local law enforcement agencies, key industry stakeholders and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Also, Health Canada contributes $14 million annually for provincial and territorial drug treatment and rehabilitation services for key target groups, particularly youth and women.

To address higher rates of drug and alcohol use in First Nations and Inuit communities, Health Canada funds $70 million for the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) and the National Youth Solvent Abuse Program (NYSAP).

As well, Health Canada provides $9.5 million in annual funding for community projects focusing on substance abuse through the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) established under Canada's Drug Strategy. The CIF was established in April 2004, and is intended to facilitate the development of national, provincial, territorial, and community-based solutions to problematic substance use, and promote public awareness of substance use and abuse issues.

To learn more about the harmful effects of substance use and abuse, visit Canada's Drug Strategy website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/activit/strateg/drugs-drogues/index_e.html

To learn more about the proposed regulatory changes for the Precursor Control Regulations, visit: http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2005/20050611/html/regle5-e.html

Background information on Precursor Chemicals:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/2002/2002_30bk1_e.html

Related News Releases:
June 2005:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/2005/2005_58_e.html

October 2002:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/2002/2002_65_e.html

April 2002:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/2002/2002_30_e.html

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