Supply  These terrible incidents add to the problems faced by, among others, the Sûreté du Quebec in the fight against the so-called forced plantings of marijuana in farmlands across Quebec. In this regard, the Canadian Police Association stated in a press release on October 8 that the awful reality was that organized crime had reached epidemic proportions and that the police were frustrated by the lack of tools and resources to fight it.

Supply  And like my colleagues from Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot and Drummond, Shefford is part of the triangle of fertile agricultural land ideally suited for growing marijuana. I have listened very carefully to today's speeches, especially those on the rumours regarding the closure of the RCMP detachments, because the one in Granby is included in the detachments that are to be closed, according to these rumours.

Supply  I would like my colleague from Hochelaga—Maisonneuve to tell me whether we should restrict the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Second, in his own view of things, would legislation on marijuana, for example, also have an impact on organized crime?

Supply  This is why, as my colleague from Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot said just a moment ago, I believe we cannot skirt our responsibilities. Legalizing marijuana is out of the question; instead we should go after those who are responsible for that scourge that affects us all as a society. I support this motion because I sincerely believe that we, as a government, while we are doing great things—and I do know we are doing a lot—must do even better.

Supply  I suggest there will be shockwaves throughout our entire political and justice systems when it comes to the sidewinder investigation being brought to the forefront. Gangs in Quebec have been growing marijuana in farmers' fields, intimidating farmers to remain silent, intimidating families and intimidating members of parliament. I congratulate the member who was threatened for his courage in continuing to fight for activity that will lead to the breaking of these types of crime syndicates.

Supply  There are a number of trails, beaten down and four feet wide between Canada and the United States on which illegals come across, guns come across, money is laundered across, marijuana goes south and heroin and cocaine come north. Seventy-eight million dollars would not even touch that area because we have a maximum of six RCMP officers, and one is an administrator, working on it.

Supply  The member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot is one, because he dared to criticize the growing of marijuana among corn plants, a practice going on in his riding, and to defend the farmers in his riding. He strongly criticized unacceptable activities and received death threats. I was looking at statistics before coming here.

Justice  The sentence shocked people at women's shelters. A 24 year old was handed a 21 month conditional sentence for marijuana and cocaine trafficking. He lied at the trial and had three prior convictions. A pedophile received six months. A 51 year old farmer was convicted of three counts of sexual assault, two of sexual exploitation and one of sexual interference.

Health  Speaker, the actions of this government have shown it to be taking a humanitarian approach to people who are suffering and believe the use of marijuana would help them. On October 6, the minister granted 14 exemptions under section 56 bringing the total to 16. As it there has been some criticism of the procedure, the minister is undertaking consultations in order to improve it.

Organized Crime  Speaker, in light of the threats made by organized crime against Quebec farmers, their families, and even my colleague, the member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, regarding the illegal growing of marijuana, would the Minister of Justice not have been better advised to table effective legislation in the House in order to finally do something about organized crime, instead of drafting legislation that Quebec does not want, legislation that would brand young offenders for life?

Decriminalization Of Marijuana  Along with my colleague, we are reviewing all the aspects of the issue, particularly the use of marijuana for medical purposes. We hope to present our policy in the coming months.

Decriminalization Of Marijuana  In fact, as the Minister of Health has indicated, he and I have put our officials to work to develop a position that we will bring forward for consideration by all members of the House. I think the Minister of Health and I concede that the possible decriminalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes is an important issue. It is one that we are studying. It is one that we are going to continue to look at.

United Nations Human Rights Committee  Department of Justice, Michael Bromwich, stated: The border in western Washington is experiencing a marked increase in the smuggling of BC Bud, an especially potent strain of marijuana. He also stated: The INS and other intelligence reports indicate that terrorist groups locate in Canada in part because of Canada's liberal visa and asylum (refugee) laws— It is quite clear that the immigration system is broken.

Correctional Service Canada  Speaker, according to access to information requests, over 1,300 federal prisoners use crack or cocaine while in prison, virtually every day. Another 1,300 while in prison every day use heroin and another 5,400 use marijuana on a daily basis. The government purports to have a zero tolerance policy for drugs in prison. I ask the solicitor general why it is that drugs are just as easy to get inside prison as they are outside.

The Economy  Mr. Speaker, just two days after we passed the medical marijuana motion and already we are getting answers like this. The TD Bank says that the reason incomes are so low is that job creation is too slow. The reason that job creation is too slow is because taxes are far too high.