West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky member of Parliament John Weston was "on cloud nine" Wednesday, June 9, after his private member's bill to hinder the purchase of legal substances for manufacturing crystal meth and ecstasy received third and final reading with unanimous consent.
"It's hard to describe the feeling, but the house is rarely unanimous on things, and to see all the members rising in support of a bill you've been working on for a few months is really very exciting," said Weston. "There were MPs from all corners of the house giving me the thumbs up and smiling - it's a real team effort."
Third and final reading is the final stage in the House of Commons before the piece of legislation is sent to the Senate. Weston said he is working to push the system as quickly as possible.
"Speed is everything because if you move slowly an election intervenes and everything dies on the order paper," he said.
Targeted ingredients in the bill include meth's precursor chemicals, such as pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, which are commonly found in over-the-counter cold medications, as well as acetone, rubbing alcohol and iodine.
"The bill would give our law enforcement community a powerful new tool with which to confront the growing menace of two drugs which are attacking the health and welfare of Canadians," said Weston.
He said the bill addresses wrongful conviction by emphasizing the criminal's intent and state of mind when purchasing or in possession of the substances.
Members of federal parties across the board supported the bill, along with a long list of community groups, justice organizations and municipalities in his riding that Weston pointed to.
"Ultimately, this is something that could change the life of one person or many, many persons in a positive way," Weston said
