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3mo ago

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.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during a news conference in Vancouver, on Monday, February 3, 2025. Poilievre says a Conservative government would bring in mandatory life sentences for those convicted of trafficking, production and distribution of over 40 mg of fentanyl. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during a news conference in Vancouver, on Monday, February 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during a news conference in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
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Overview

  • 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.