What ever happened to...

[RPS]

One of my good friends (who lives in Canada) was recently arrested for posession with conspiracy to distribute because he had more than 14grams of marijuana on him (although he was not trying to sell in any way, his friends weed was in one bag, and he had no individual dime bags, or any other distributive bags on his person.)

Before my friend arrived in court he had his hunting licence taken away, as well as his licence to purchase firearms.

My question is, what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Note: I am aware that the government of Canada probably does not wish drug dealers living in the country to own/have the ability to purchase firearms- but I still do not belive they have the right to take away someones licence because of one arrest, and no conviction.

Also, not a lot of drug dealers register their weapons in the first place.

I just thought it was kind of strange, and would like to hear other peoples' opinions.

Cheers,
RPS

[Nagognog2]

It sounds like Canada is following in the footsteps of the big bully to your south. This is common practice in the USA in places where guns must be registered and one must have a license to purchase and have same. Upon arrest, and before conviction or dismissal, the rights to have a firearm are gone. And many times if the initial charges are thrown out - one is still not allowed to retrieve their gun permits/firearms. Without a very expensive lawsuit being filed on one's behalf.

Wish SWIM luck.

[grandbaby]

Too true. Canada has been swinging right ever since they installed Stephen Harper in the Prime Minister's chair. Very sad, as many Americans look to Canada for guidance on how to be what they'd like their country to be, but isn't - even as the Sleeping Giant to the North swings toward U.S.-style black-and-white neoconservatism.

[Police Officer]

Originally Posted by grandbaby

...as many Americans look to Canada for guidance on how to be what they'd like their country to be, but isn't...

Did someone tell you this?

[VincentVan]

Originally Posted by Police Officer

Did someone tell you this?

Grandbaby (among other sources) could well have been thinking of the section " How long will America lead the world" from Newsweek june 26-2006 (european edition) and more specifically to the articles on page 44 " Ideas to recharge America from 15 eminent american personalities".

VV.

[VincentVan]

In many countries the police has the option of inflicting some administrative measures, (such as suspension of driving licence ,passport, etc. ,) on a suspect waiting for trial. The suspect however, can ask through his lawyer for those measures to be revoked but ,pending a sentence, it will be up to the judge to decide if these privileges are to be granted.
Since the canadian legal system is modeled on the british one I´m confident that these rules should apply there too (maybe with some minor differences).
So if your friend wants its licenses back , he should ask to his lawyer to apply some pressure.
Remember also that anyway all these administrative measures are temporary; usually they are effective only until a tribunal will decide upon a definitive sentence.
Best luck to your friend RPS.

VV.

[tre2005be]

in swims honest opinion, i dont think anyone should have the right to have a gun, i think its a complete farce.

[old hippie 56]

Ain't nothing wrong with having a weapon, as long you are responsible and sane. But, Canada is tougher on gun laws than the US.

[grandbaby]

I have spoken with many Americans and Canadians; I read a lot; and a recurring theme that keeps cropping up is: "Canada has this fantastically stable, relatively peaceful and free society with a high standard of living and a social safety net to boot. Canadians are proud of their country but not rabidly, blindly patriotic and ideologically blinkered. That's what my ideal USA would be like."

I'm not saying it's a huge percentage or even maybe a statistically significant number (my sample data is skewed, coming as it does from the world of academia and largely the liberal Left), but it's out there. Conversely, few Canadians (but a very vocal minority) would like to see Canada pushed toward US-style health "care" and firearms regulations, etc., and more restrictions on personal freedoms in the name of security (even when such "security" has nothing to do with terrorism or violence, just prosecution of victimless crimes).