Pubdate: Wed, 23 Jan 2002
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2002 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiwinnipeg.com/winsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Katie Chalmers, Winnipeg Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

DECRIMINALIZE POT: ALLIANCE MP

Martin Will Address Fort Rouge Tories

Alliance MP Keith Martin is coming to Winnipeg to drum up support for his 
bill to decriminalize marijuana and he's found an unlikely host.

The Fort Rouge Progressive Conservative Association is sponsoring a 
luncheon at the Masonic Temple, where Martin will promote Bill C-344. The 
bill would decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis and is 
before Parliament.

The association's president, Norm Elson, said decriminalization of cannabis 
is "a big issue," -- especially in the Osborne Village area where many 
single people, university students and young businesspeople live.

"I think you would find this would be a strong area for this kind of 
support -- we're the Village people," Elson said, adding 600,000 Canadians 
have criminal records for marijuana possession. "Certainly a portion of 
that is Manitobans. We're not pure here."

Elson said the provincial association has no official position on the 
decriminalization of cannabis.

Provincial Tory Leader Stuart Murray also declined to take a stand on 
decriminalization yesterday, saying the issue is a federal concern.

"It's not an issue ever brought to my attention," Murray said.

Elson said he expects people will be surprised Conservatives are hosting an 
Alliance speaker. But a crossover between provincial Tory and federal 
Alliance supporters is not unusual, he said.

In the past, Martin has said decriminalizing cannabis would save money on 
enforcement and in the courts. In his bill, Martin suggests fines of $200 
for the first offence, $500 for the second and $1,000 for additional offences.

Another 'Evil' In Society

The president of the Manitoba Compassion Club, Geoff Hughes, said he was 
surprised Tories are playing a role in the event. The 19-member club 
dispenses marijuana -- without government approval -- to people with 
serious illnesses.

"I can't believe I'm supporting something the PCs are doing," Hughes joked.

Hughes said Martin's bill should go one step further and make marijuana use 
legal.

Sgt. Jeff Bellingham, of the Winnipeg police drug unit, said 
decriminalization of marijuana would create another "evil in society."

"We have home invasions, thefts, deterioration in family, school work, 
personal relationships -- all results of marijuana," said Bellingham.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl