Poilievre promises to hit fentanyl ‘kingpins’ with mandatory life sentences

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced a new policy that aims to crack down on drug “kingpins” who traffic major quantities of fentanyl. If elected, Poilievre plans to change the Criminal Code to impose mandatory life sentences on those convicted of selling large quantities of the deadly drug.

This announcement comes amidst pressure from President Donald Trump for Canada and Mexico to take a tougher stance on fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. or face significant tariffs. While data shows that only a small amount of fentanyl is coming across the northern border, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed additional resources to address the issue and address Trump’s concerns.

Poilievre stated, “Making and selling fentanyl is mass murder. I will lock up fentanyl kingpins and throw away the key. It’s like spraying bullets into a crowd – even if you don’t aim, you will kill people. The penalty should be the same as murder. I will pass mandatory life sentences so fentanyl kingpins never get out of jail and stop killing our kids.”

Under Poilievre’s proposal, individuals convicted of selling 40 milligrams of fentanyl, enough to kill 20 people, would face a mandatory life sentence. Those selling smaller quantities, between 20 and 40 milligrams, would receive a 15-year sentence. While the Criminal Code already allows for life sentences for drug trafficking, Poilievre’s policy would remove judicial discretion.

Although mandatory minimum sentencing policies have been challenged in the past, Poilievre is willing to use the notwithstanding clause to push through criminal laws if his party forms the next government. However, Justice Minister Arif Virani’s spokesperson raised concerns that the Conservative proposal could potentially result in every fentanyl user in Canada facing an automatic life sentence.

Poilievre emphasized that a tough approach to crime would deter criminal organizations from operating fentanyl superlabs, like the one recently discovered by the RCMP in Falkland, B.C. This lab, linked to a transnational organized crime group, was described as the largest and most sophisticated fentanyl and methamphetamine drug superlab in Canada.

In response to Trump’s demands, Trudeau has implemented anti-fentanyl policies of his own, including appointing a czar to lead a nationwide crackdown and designating cartels as terrorist entities under Canadian law. Additionally, a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force has been established to combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering.

Overall, Poilievre’s proposed policy aims to address the deadly impact of fentanyl trafficking and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Whether or not these measures will be effective in curbing the flow of fentanyl remains to be seen, but both political leaders are taking steps to address the issue in response to growing concerns.