Fort McMurray Forum

Tougher penalties on impaired drivers will save lives on Alberta's roadways.
That according to Executive Director of MADD Canada, Andrew Murie who is applauding the introduction of new legislation that punishes repeat offenders and imposes suspensions on drivers with blood alcohol levels above 0.05.
"Our members know these type of legislative changes work, a lot of them have been personally impacted in alcohol related crashes and want to make sure  other families don't have to go through the pain and loss that they've gone through, especially this time of year when that empty chair or empty chairs around the holiday season," said Murie.
Under the Redford Bill passed this week, drivers with blood alcohol levels between 0.05 and 0.08 will face immediate suspension and the temporary seizure of their vehicle.
While those above that threshold will lose their licence until their case is resolved in court.
Constable Christina Wilkins says Wood Buffalo RCMP investigated 1023 impaired driving allegations in 2009, falling roughly 10 per cent to 920 cases last year.
A trend, Wilkins says, she hopes to see continue.