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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom