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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsDomestic PolicyStarted 12yrs agoActive 4mos ago

Should nonviolent drug offenders be given mandatory jail sentences?

In 1997 the Conservative government passed a 'three strikes' policy which imposed a minimum sentence of seven years for those convicted for a third time of drug trafficking involving class A drugs. Soon after, the Labour party passed legislation that enabled Judges to reduce the sentences in cases they find to be unjust.

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Answer Overview

Response rates from 26.1k Canada voters.

18%
Yes
82%
No
18%
Yes
61%
No
1%
Yes, they should be removed from society
11%
No, first offence should result in a mandatory rehabilitation program, further offences result in jailtime
5%
No, only if they were arrested for trafficking
5%
No, we should decriminalize most drugs

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 26.1k Canada voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 26.1k Canada voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Canada voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @5FHRBBSfrom British Columbia  answered…6yrs6Y

"Yes, they should be removed from society" By this I mean that drug addicts should be allowed to OD and die, and drug dealers should be shot if found guilty. Drugs are bad, kids.

 @B46S6V8from Alberta  answered…1yr1Y

Drug problems arise from trauma; suggest optional rehabilitation program that includes this component; restorative justice if necessary

 @B5YCVHWfrom Alberta  answered…12mos12MO

Yes, for commercial-level or wholesale drug trafficking of controlled substances such as methamphetamine or fentanyl

 @9VKMP3Gfrom Ontario  answered…2yrs2Y

It depends entirely on the drug used and its effects on the mind and potential to turn the user into a violent drug offender. Mandatory rehabilitation programs should also be considered.

 @9VJX322from British Columbia  answered…2yrs2Y

No, offenders should have mandatory educational classes on drug use and attend an autopsy of a person who died of drug use.

 @9RBYBX6from Nova Scotia  answered…2yrs2Y

Since we have legalized drug use, such as; Tobacco, Marijuana and Alcohol, I believe fines for distribution and trafficking would make more sense. For non-controlled illegal substances, such as; Cocaine, Heroin, Meth, etc., I believe sentences should be mandatory.

 @9D4YF47from Nova Scotia  answered…3yrs3Y

No, we should decriminalize all drugs and release all prisoners serving time on drug offences.

 @9RJ6K3Vfrom Ontario  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, but on a case by case basis dependent upon specifics like amounts and type of substances being dispensed or consumed.

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 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…2yrs2Y

Should the government incentivize the construction of affordable housing?

Yes

▲  2.7k3 replies2 agree

About This Data

Based on 26.1k responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

iSideWith is non-partisan — we don't advocate for any party, candidate, or position. We report what the public tells us.

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iSideWith. (2026). “Should nonviolent drug offenders be given mandatory jail sentences?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://canada.isidewith.com/polls/420443392

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