Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks has been elected as chair of the Conservative Law Enforcement Caucus.

The former RCMP officer said it is an “honour” to be a part of an important caucus that has “provided input on several criminal justice bills, which help police officers across Canada do their jobs to the best of their ability.”

One of Wilks’ first roles as chair of of Conservative Law Enforcement Caucus was to today join with the Hon. Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, along with Roxanne James, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in announcing a series of proposed enhancements to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA); updating Health Canada’s nearly two-decade-old rules for drug control.

“The CDSA has two core objectives: protecting public health and maintaining public safety. There are a number of areas where Health Canada inspectors, as well as the police, require updated legal authorities in order to keep up with the evolving drug trade. The new legislation introduced today is designed to address those needs, and to address new drug abuse issues,” Wilks stated in a media release.

“The proposed changes to the CDSA will equip the Minister of Health and law enforcement officials with better tools to more quickly control dangerous new drugs, combat illegal drug production and distribution, and enable Health Canada inspectors to more effectively ensure compliance in the legitimate controlled substance industry,” said Wilks, adding he’s appreciated having the ability to provide input into legislation.

The amendments enhance law enforcement’s ability to dispose of seized goods more efficiently and safely, and strengthen criminal penalties for the illegal possession, production or sale of chemicals or equipment intended for use in the illegal production of a controlled substance.

“I also have the privilege of being a Member of the Standing Committee on Justice as well as a Member of the Standing Committee on Health. My involvement in these committees has given me the opportunity to provide valuable input into legislation which strengthens federal laws but more importantly provides police officers with better tools to do their job,” said the Sparwood resident.

“This action demonstrates the Government’s commitment to safe and healthy communities by better protecting Canadians against the introduction of new designer drugs marketed to youth, and the ongoing problem of prescription drug abuse,” Wilks concluded.

Lead image: Inspector Paul Johnston, Ottawa Police Service; Hon. Rona Ambrose; Roxanne James, MP – Parl Sec.; David Wilks, MP. Images submitted

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