DOPED UP DRIVERS TARGETED

OTTAWA -- The federal government is cracking down on doped-up drivers.  Yesterday the Liberal government tabled measures to strengthen law enforcement by giving police the power to conduct tests and demand a saliva, urine or blood sample from those suspected of being stoned behind the wheel.

Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said the legislation will effectively make voluntary measures mandatory.

Refusal to comply with an officer's demand would be a criminal offence.

"All we're doing is providing the police with the necessary authority, the necessary power, to engage in drug-related testing in the same way they do alcohol-related testing," he said.

But Cotler didn't back up the legislative reform with any new cash, suggesting instead the provinces will be responsible for the funding.

The Canadian Professional Police Association has supported the crackdown on drug-impaired drivers, but insisted there must be sufficient funds to train and equip officers on the street.