Liberals Prepared to Trigger Election Over Tory Crime Bill

Bill S-10 would impose mandatory minimum sentences for a slew of drug offences.

Liberal MP Marlene Jennings said the bill is “stupid” and confirmed that her party will vote against it, even if the Conservatives make it a confidence vote. The government has come under fire for the bill, which would impose a mandatory six-month sentence for anyone caught growing six or more marijuana plants with the intent to traffic and would punish anyone giving Tylenol 3 to another person with jail time. The opposition estimates the bill would add 4,000 people to Canada’s prisoner population and cost $18 billion by 2016. The Liberals endorsed an earlier version of the bill but their opposition to it now could play well with younger voters. Nearly half of voters over 65 support the Conservatives.