INMATES CONNING US

Something is wrong when millions of dollars are being spent by the
Conservatives to clean up our nation's drug-infested prisons -- yet
almost a quarter of prisoners either tested positive or refused to be
tested for narcotics and booze in 2008.

Figures released by Correctional Service of Canada show 7,613 samples
were requested for random urinanalysis tests designed to detect
cocaine, cannabis, opiates and many pharmaceuticals. More than 850
inmates refused the testing competely while more than 13 per cent of
those who agreed tested positive for an illicit substance.

So much for cleaning up inmates if drugs remain plentiful behind bars.

The Conservatives have spent oodles of money beefing up search
policies and enforcement strategies and it has likely helped some.

But we are still not winning the war on drugs in Canada's prisons.

To make matters worse, inmates are continuously finding new ways to
smuggle drugs into prisons, be it during pizza deliveries, drugs
hidden in babies' bonnets or picking up drug-filled condoms lobbed
over prison fences, Sun Media has reported.

The real issue here is why should inmates be allowed to say no?

"The reasons why an offender refuses to submit to a urinanalysis are
many . . . unco-operative behaviour, rebellion against authority,
perceived privacy reasons, illness or injury or a desire to avoid a
positive testing," CSC's Christa McGregor told Sun Media.

Considering the weak punishment dished out for refusing, it's not
shocking inmates are telling drug-testing officials to take a powder.

Mandatory testing of all inmates is the only logical step for the
government to pursue.

For years correctional officers have pressed for it, but McGregor
told Sun Media the practice would be considered a violation of the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Let's do it anyway and fight a Charter challenge if and when one comes.

Drugs are getting into Club Fed at a consistent rate. Mandatory
regular drug tests will change inmates' attitudes about drug use.