Poilievre Proposes Life Sentences for Traffickers Possessing Over 40 mg of Fentanyl
Poilievre Pledges Life Sentences for Major Fentanyl Traffickers, Calls for Tougher Drug Policies
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has announced that a Conservative government would impose mandatory life sentences for individuals convicted of trafficking, producing, or distributing more than 40 milligrams of fentanyl.
Speaking early Wednesday, Poilievre compared the proposed penalty to that for murder. He is set to elaborate on the policy during a news conference in Vancouver later in the day.
The Conservatives are also calling for a 15-year prison sentence for traffickers caught with between 20 and 40 milligrams of fentanyl.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, just two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal. Health Canada warns that even “a few grains” of the drug can be deadly.
The announcement comes amid growing pressure from the U.S., where former President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised concerns about fentanyl crossing into the country from Canada. Trump recently delayed the implementation of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods after Canada introduced new border control measures, including appointing a “fentanyl czar.”
Poilievre dismissed the idea that Canada should act on drug policy simply to appease the U.S., stating in a social media video that action is needed to combat the overdose crisis regardless of external pressures.
Beyond tougher penalties, Poilievre reiterated his commitment to expanding addiction treatment programs. He has also pledged to defund “safer supply” initiatives, which provide prescription alternatives to illicit street drugs, arguing that such programs contribute to drug diversion.
Additionally, Poilievre has expressed support for mandatory, involuntary drug treatment for minors and incarcerated individuals struggling with addiction.
