Pubdate: Wed, 11 Dec 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: Frank Landry

FEDS BLOW SMOKE ON POT: NDPER

Ottawa is sending the wrong message to Canadians by floating the idea of 
decriminalizing marijuana, says Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh.

"It's not a direction we've ever prioritized or ever urged the federal 
government to do," Mackintosh said.

"It may well send the wrong message but like every other Canadian, we'll 
wait to see what proposals they have because it's not clear what direction 
the federal government is actually going in."

Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon on Monday hinted he would be in 
favour in decriminalizing pot.

He said a parliamentary committee's report, expected to be made public 
tomorrow, will affect the kind of law he'll bring down. It's expected the 
special committee will support the proposition that growing pot for 
personal use not be a crime.

"I would urge this from the federal government -- if they see this as a 
priority for change in the laws of the country, that they listen very 
carefully to the views of law enforcement agencies as well as others in the 
health-care sector," Mackintosh said.

"Those voices are very important to be heard in Ottawa."

The federal government's throne speech in the fall promised changes to drug 
laws, including "the possibility of the decriminalization of marijuana 
possession."
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MAP posted-by: Alex