The proposed bill seeks to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act by repealing certain mandatory minimum penalties for drug-related offenses, allowing for conditional sentences and a more rehabilitative approach to drug possession. The changes aim to treat drug issues as health concerns rather than purely criminal matters.
These amendments particularly impact individuals charged with drug possession, law enforcement, and communities dealing with substance use issues. Drug users may find more opportunities for treatment rather than incarceration, while communities may experience challenges if drug misuse increases. Law enforcement agencies might need to adapt their approaches with these changes in penalties.
From a financial perspective, the bill could lead to reduced government spending on incarceration due to shorter sentences, potentially reallocating those funds toward treatment programs and community support services. However, critics warn that if drug-related crime increases, there might be additional costs related to law enforcement and healthcare systems struggling to cope with the ramifications.
Supporters argue that the bill represents a progressive move towards more effective and humane drug policies. They believe that eliminating mandatory minimums and promoting rehabilitation can lead to lower recidivism rates, improved public health outcomes, and ultimately cost savings for taxpayers by reducing prison populations and redirecting funds to preventative measures.
Critics of the bill express concerns that easing penalties might result in increased drug use and undermine public safety. They fear that without strict consequences, drug-related crimes could rise, burdening communities and leading to higher law enforcement and social services costs. Additionally, they worry that vague definitions surrounding repeat offenses might allow some offenders to circumvent accountability, creating unforeseen financial burdens on the justice and healthcare systems.
That Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, as amended, be concurred in at report stage.
That, in relation to Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, not more than five further hours shall be allotted to the consideration at report stage of the bill and one sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration at third reading stage of the said bill; and That, at the expiry of the five hours provided for the consideration at report stage and 15 minutes before the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders on the day allotted to the consideration at third reading stage of the said bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this order, and in turn every question necessary for the disposal of the said stage of the bill then under consideration shall be put forthwith and successively, without further debate or amendment.
That the bill be now read a third time and do pass.
That the bill be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
The information is not available at this time.
That, in relation to Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, not more than one further sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the bill; and That, 15 minutes before the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders on the day allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the said bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this order, and, in turn, every question necessary for the disposal of the said stage of the bill shall be put forthwith and successively, without further debate or amendment.
That the motion be amended by deleting all the words after the word “That” and substituting the following: “Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, be not now read a third time, but be referred back to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rightsfor the purpose of reconsidering clauses 5 to 8, 10 and 12 with a view to remove the provisions in the bill that would eliminate a number of mandatory minimum sentences for very serious crimes, namely robbery with a firearm, weapons trafficking and discharging a firearm with intent, possession of a weapon obtained by commission of an offence and possession for purpose of weapons trafficking.”.