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." - --- MAP posted-by: Alex