Poilievre Proposes Mandatory Life Sentences for Large-Scale Fentanyl Traffickers

The Conservative leader's plan includes harsher penalties for fentanyl trafficking, invoking Charter arguments to justify the measures.

Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, announced plans to impose mandatory life sentences for trafficking, producing, or exporting over 40 milligrams of fentanyl.
The proposal includes a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence for those caught with 20 to 40 milligrams of the drug, which is lethal in small quantities.
Poilievre described fentanyl trafficking as 'mass murder,' equating it to crimes like first-degree murder and high treason under Canadian law.
The plan invokes Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, arguing the measures are necessary to protect Canadians' right to life and security.
The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pressures Canada to address fentanyl trafficking, threatening tariffs on Canadian imports if action is not taken.