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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl