Drug deaths need attention

Re: Dishonest games with gun stats, Aug 18

Minister Ralph Goodale stated the increase in criminal incidents involving guns was 44% from 2013 to 2017. Illegal drug related deaths (134 in B.C. July, 2018) are multiples above gun deaths. Goodale indicated the government will invest $327 million over the coming five years rising to $100 million per year ongoing to help combat gangs. The term “invest” is a typical misleading claim by government officials.

The correct and proper term is “spend” — all funding is sourced from taxpayers. Please minister, tell the truth.

Perhaps Goodale can disclose the total amount of government revenue from each — GST, PST, HST, income tax, CPP, EI and other revenues resulting from the existing illegal drug industry and gang activities in Canada to fund his above alleged investment.

Oops, irregular (new government term applicable to illegal immigration), — not illegal drug industry.

The silence from Canada’s federal government related to the lack of effective intervention for the hundreds of Canadian residents dying every month is deafening, while making this noise about relatively few gun deaths.

Goodale has not disclosed the number of gun deaths involving the illegal drug industry/gang activity. Goodale and his government colleagues have failed and are failing to provide effective and efficient enforcement of existing federal law (public safety). Investigations, court proceedings, health costs, etc. are an expensive cost to taxpayers — not an investment.

Law breakers should pay the cost with hard labour and effective cost recovery measures — not the innocent. Ken McLennan, Richmond, B.C.