cannabisnews.com: Ottawa Causes a Stir With Marijuana Bill 





Ottawa Causes a Stir With Marijuana Bill 
Posted by CN Staff on May 27, 2003 at 11:19:13 PT
By Ken Warn in Toronto 
Source: Financial Times UK
Canada's government on Tuesday introduced legislation aimed at decriminalising possession of small amounts of marijuana, in a move that threatens to hinder efforts to patch up relations with the US.Ottawa and Washington have been on frosty terms of late. The Bush administration was openly dismayed at Canada's refusal to participate in military action in Iraq. Jean Chrétien, prime minister, spoke to President George W. Bush by telephone this week in their first direct contact since before the Iraq conflict.
Under the bill, introduced by Martin Cauchon, justice minister, possession of up to 15g of marijuana would become a minor offence punishable by a fine and not leading to a criminal record.However, the bill has proved controversial even within Canada's ruling Liberal party, with some MPs opposing it on health and crime prevention grounds, and it is possible that the bill will fail to enter the statute books. Some senior Liberals believe it is pointless to antagonise the US by introducing legislation for which their appears to be little demand from voters.However, the government has been under growing pressure to clarify its drug laws after several courts failed to convict those accused of minor drugs possession offences.Introduction of the bill was delayed while officials sought to placate their US counterparts about its contents.Paul Cellucci, US ambassador to Canada, warned recently that changing the law on marijuana could lead to more border delays as US customs officers stepped up searches of Canadian vehicles.The Canadian Police Association, which represents rank-and-file police, is also opposed to government moves to ease the laws governing "soft" drugs. In an apparent bid to placate critics of the policy shift, decriminalisation for minor possession will be accompanied by tougher measures against growers and dealers. The maximum sentence for marijuana growers would be doubled to 14 years.The government also plans to set aside an extra C$245m (US$178m) for increased law enforcement and education programmes aimed at reducing drug use among young people."Let me be very clear: we do not want Canadians to use marijuana," said Anne McLellan, health minister. "We especially don't want young people to use marijuana. That is why an important part of our drug strategy will focus on strong public education messages to inform Canadians of the negative health affects of marijuana."Cannabis Reform Bill: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/releases/2003/2003_34bk2.htm Source: Financial Times (UK)Author: Ken Warn in Toronto Published: May 27, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Financial Times Limited Website: http://www.ft.com/Contact: letters.editor ft.comRelated Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmNo Intention To Legalize Pot: Cauchon http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16405.shtmlPM Tables Relaxed Marijuana Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16402.shtmlLiberals Move To Soften Drug Lawshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16401.shtml
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