| Bill C-10 Update: Back to House of Commons for Third Reading |
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After debate and discussion on Bill C-10 was given a time restriction by the government, the Justice Committee has concluded its study and report on the 9 pieces of proposed legislation bundled together. The Conservative-dominated Committee shot down all amendments that would even in the slightest alleviate some of the damage that Bill C-10 will cause. A total of four changes were made to the entire contents of Bill C-10. Only one change was made to the section making changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. A small correction was made to ensure the clause setting out mandatory prison time for growing 'more than five' cannabis plants was clear. The amended legislation will be sent back to Parliament for a third vote, before being sent to the Senate. Despite this setback, the momentum against the 'tough on crime' agenda continues to grow. Just looking at a Google News search for Bill C-10 shows the massive opposition from across Canada. Demonstrations are being held. People are writing the first letter or email they've ever sent to a politician or to a news paper. More groups, organizations, and individuals are beginning to speak out and find ways to resist this legislation. And CSSDP members continue to be a part of it all, working alongside their communities in building resistance to failed drug policies. Your action is still needed! This is far from over yet. The legislation will likely come up to a vote in Parliament within the next weeks. Write/Call/Fax/Email/Shout at your local politicians to stop this legislation while they still can! Connect with your local CSSDP chapter or contact us. There is still the chance that the legislation can be stopped in the Senate as well, so we need to keep the pressure on. Click here to find your Member of Parliament Even if this legislation goes through, through our continued actions and efforts we are building a movement together. Even if we can't stop these changes now, we will keep working so that we will be strong enough to not only undo mandatory sentences, but finally end the criminalization of people through drug laws and put in place sensible policy. Scroll down for links to other campaigns against Bill C-10, or see more ideas for action against Bill C-10 here Click here for CSSDP's fact sheet on Bill C-10 CSSDP's submission to the Committee
Make sure to contact your provincial or territorial representative as well! Find them using the links below
Check out some of the other campaigns against Bill C-10! It Could Get Worse: Stories and videos of people discussing the impacts Bill C-10 will have on them and their communities LeadNow.ca: an online site where you can send a letter to the Justice Minister calling for an end to Bill C-10, and find out more about the demonstrations Elizabeth Fry Society: has developed a series of postcards you can print, distribute, and mail for free! Avaaz: an online petition and demonstration campaign aimed at pushing the Provincial and Territorial justice ministers into voicing their opposition |