Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jul 2002
Source: Midland Mirror (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Midland Mirror
Contact:  http://www.simcoe.com/sc/midland/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2211

JUSTICE MINISTER SUGGESTS BREAK FOR POT SMOKERS

(TNS) Canada may follow Britain's lead in decriminalizing marijuana use by 
making simple possession of small amounts of pot a ticketing offence, said 
Justice Minister Martin Cauchon.

"We're not talking about making it legal. We're talking about the 
possibility of moving ahead with what we call the decriminalization of 
that," said Cauchon.

"It would still be illegal. It wouldn't be criminal, of course; but it 
would still be illegal. (The law would be) easier to apply. You would get a 
contravention (ticket) and you would have to pay something. I guess we 
would be maybe more effective, more efficient in proceeding that way," he 
said, in response to reporters' questions after a cabinet committee meeting 
here.

In one of the strongest statements by a minister of this government, 
Cauchon expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the current laws.

He noted the law makes drug possession a crime, and results in a criminal 
record - sometimes jail - for convicted persons.

Criminal records can often lead to a person being barred from professional 
certification, or from travel to the U.S.

"Very often the legislation will simply not be applied," depending on where 
you live across Canada, said Cauchon.

Last week, Britain relaxed its laws on cannabis use, making it a 
non-arrestable offence, meaning pot-smokers may be merely issued a police 
warning. But the government said it would re-focus enforcement efforts on 
harder drugs and trafficking.

Before introducing any new legislation, Cauchon said he wants to hear from 
the two committees, a Senate committee and a Commons committee, now looking 
at the status of Canada's cannabis laws.

Any change would require a lengthy period of public consultation 
beforehand, he added.

But already Pierre-Claude Nolin, chair of the Senate committee, has 
criticized the idea of fines as an impractical idea, which puts an unfair 
burden on the poor and young people who are often the subject of charges.

Cauchon said yesterday there are many legislative models to look at other 
than Britain's, but did not go into detail.

"If you look at the system that we have in place, keeping it criminal, it 
seems that it's not very efficient," said Cauchon.

"So maybe we can find a way to keep it illegal and be more constructive, 
more efficient, more effective as well. And find a way with programs to 
help those people that are using such a substance."

He said any legislative changes would not mean abandoning the fight against 
drug trafficking, adding distribution networks are "highly criminal, as we 
all know."
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