Ottawa must pick up the tab for increased costs, premiers say
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty sided with Quebec Premier Jean Charest in demanding that Ottawa pick up the tab for the increased costs associated with the federal government’s new crime bill, the Globe and Mail reports. The measure would introduce mandatory minimum sentences for some drug offences, and toughen rules in the youth justice system. Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia are all in favour of the bill, highlighting a deepening divide between Eastern and Western provinces on the issue.