Crime bill panned by scientists, doctors

published on February 9, 2011 by Mike Youds in Kamloops Daily News

“Non-evidence-based policies” is how a letter signed by more than 500 health professionals describes a federal plan to lock up more drug offenders for longer sentences.

In other words, Bill S-10, the Penalties for Organized Crime Act, won’t work as intended, they argue.

Dr. Paul Hasselback, medical health officer with Interior Health, is one of many physicians who have signed the open letter to major political parties.

“I think where we in the health professions are really coming from is that the constructs of minimum sentencing are not in keeping with what we know will reduce the health impacts of drugs and addiction,” Hasselback said Monday.

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