Pubdate: Tue, 13 May 2003
Source: Associated Press (Wire)
Copyright: 2003 Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

OPPOSITION SLAMS LIBERALS FOR CONSULTING U.S. ON POT LAW BEFORE PARLIAMENT

OTTAWA (AP) - Prime Minister Jean Chretien launched a campaign Tuesday to 
allay U.S. fears about marijuana decriminalization, but he succeeded only 
in provoking the wrath of opposition MPs who say he's letting the Bush 
administration make his policy.

The New Democrats, Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois all cried foul when 
they learned Justice Minister Martin Cauchon was headed for Washington to 
brief U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft on the government's plans.

The problem, they said, was that the Americans were getting the inside dope 
before legislation reforming the pot law is tabled in Parliament.

"There goes Canadian sovereignty up in smoke," complained NDP Leader Jack

Layton. "Here's the American government advising on what Canadian policy 
will be before the House of Commons even has a look at it. It's quite 
astounding."

Conservative Leader Joe Clark agreed that Cauchon should have come to 
Parliament "before he went trotting off to the White House."

Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe wondered why it was so important to "obtain the 
permission of Washington" before taking legislative action.

The Liberals are expected to bring in legislation by next week that would 
make possession of 15 grams or less of pot a minor offense, something like 
a traffic violation.

Jails terms and criminal records for such offenses would be eliminated and 
fines - possibly as little as $100 - would be imposed instead.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom