Pubdate: Mon, 03 Nov 2003
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2003, The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Oliver Moore, Globe and Mail
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)

MADD, POLICE GROUPS SLAM PROPOSED POT LAW

Update

Offering a renewed warning of the controversy that will erupt if the 
government holds a Commons vote to soften drug penalties, police and 
anti-drunk-driving groups levelled a broadside Monday at Liberal plans to 
decriminalize possession of small quantities of marijuana.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving teamed up with the Canadian Professional 
Police Association in Ottawa to denounce the proposed decriminalization. 
They were joined by Toronto deputy police chief Mike Boyd, chairman of the 
drug-abuse committee of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

Bill C-38 has passed first reading in the House of Commons and is being 
reviewed by a special parliamentary committee. It is one of several 
high-profile bills that could fall into limbo if the House rises early for 
its Christmas break, as has been predicted by various sources.

Although opposed to the proposed legislative change for different reasons, 
all three parties at Monday's press conference are united in their demand 
that the government wait before moving ahead, saying that there are serious 
wrinkles that have to be ironed out.

The national executive director of MADD, Andrew Murie, argued that it is 
foolish to soften penalties for marijuana use without at the same time 
developing ways to police motorists who drive under the influence of the drug.

"We are urging the government to give the police the authority they need to 
detect and charge drug-impaired drivers prior to loosening the 
drug-possession laws," he said. "It is a recipe for trouble on our roads, 
and MPs need to delay this bill until the proper public safeguards are in 
place."

The government sought less than two weeks ago to forestall this criticism, 
announcing plans to change the law to allow police officers to demand a 
sample of sweat or saliva from drivers they suspect to be under the 
influence of drugs. Critics responded then by accusing the government of 
approaching the problem backwards, of being determined to decriminalize 
marijuana and then only belatedly dealing with attendant problems.

Deputy Chief Boyd warned that the government is rushing forward without 
properly assessing the dangers.

"There is nothing in this law that will deter or reduce marijuana use in 
Canada," he said. "While we are not opposed to the use of alternative 
measures, such as a ticket, to deal with possession of very small amounts 
of marijuana ... police officers should retain the discretion to lay 
criminal charges where the circumstances warrant."

Taking a different tack, the president of the Canadian Professional Police 
Association, said that moves to lower the penalties for small-time 
possession of drugs send a conflicting message to the judiciary at a time 
when, he believes, they should in fact be cracking down much harder on 
commercial growing operations.

"This government's response to the booming marijuana grow operations 
problem is seriously flawed and inadequate," Tony Cannavino said. "First 
and foremost, minimum sentences are required to reinforce the seriousness 
of this crime."

"[Bill C-38] contains too many flaws to be pushed through," he argued. 
"This marijuana bill is not what Canada needs right now, and we urge 
Parliament to listen to police and victims, and reject this bill until 
these issues have been corrected."
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