Pubdate: Thu, 29 May 2003 Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS) Copyright: 2003 The Halifax Herald Limited Contact: http://www.herald.ns.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) BACKBENCHERS BERATE POT BILL Liberal Colleagues Criticize Lack Of Consultation OTTAWA-The government's push to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana is running into opposition from Liberal backbenchers, with some openly questioning Prime Minister Jean Chretien's wisdom in putting the issue on the public agenda. Others wonder whether the bill can be passed this year, given the already heavy legislative agenda in the Commons and the Liberal leadership campaign. Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough-Agincourt) was the most outspoken yesterday, suggesting the pot bill is one more reason Chretien should step down early. "After 10 years of being in power he's forgotten the dynamics of democracy, the dynamics of listening to the caucus," said Karygiannis. He wants Chretien to leave as soon as the federal Liberals choose a new leader Nov. 15, rather than waiting until next February to hand over power. "The sooner the better," said Karygiannis. "Nov. 16, thank you Mr. Prime Minister for being there, let's have a big bash and let's usher in a new leader." No other Liberals would go that far, but a number of backbenchers took issue with the legislation introduced Tuesday by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon. The bill would make possession of up to 15 grams of pot a minor offence, punishable by fines ranging between $100 and $250 for youths and $150 to $400 for adults. "I'm not impressed," said MP Paul Steckle. "It may appear at first blush to be going in the right direction. But a $100 fine is hardly a penalty; $100 won't even buy you a ticket to a rock concert today." Dennis Mills, a Toronto MP, who has been preoccupied with the economic impact of SARS on his city's tourist trade, suggested the government' s legislative plate is already full enough. "I think when we have so many other issues on the front burner right now .talking about marijuana is nuts," said Mills. "I'm more focused on people who are out of work." Dan McTeague, another Ontario backbencher, complained the bill was brought in without adequate consultation with caucus. "Bluntly, there was no input and we're being asked to possibly vote on this by edict," said McTeague. "This bill is badly flawed." Stan Keyes, the national caucus chairman, said he personally has no problem with the legislation, but acknowledged some colleagues are miffed they didn't have a bigger say in advance of its tabling. The government has to do a better job of explaining the benefits of decriminalization, both to the general public and to caucus, said Keyes. "We'd like to be there as a support mechanism for our ministers, but how can we be a support mechanism if we don't know what our ministers are intending to do." John Harvard of Winnipeg, chairman of the western Liberal caucus, said he thinks Cauchon is on the right track, but questioned whether the bill can be adequately debated and passed by the end of the year, as the minister has suggested. "Given the fact that we have a leadership contest in the fall, I don't know what the state of parliament might be,"said Harvard. "It sounds to me like it might be a little too soon." Joe Fontana, a London, Ont. backbencher, said he hopes the bill can be amended to boost fine to around $500 and to reduce the limit for possession to five grams from 15. He also agreed with Harvard that leadership politics could undermine Cauchon's schedule. "There'sa lot of time between now and next year," said Fontana. "All kinds of variables are mixed in there." It's not immediately clear, however, how a change in party leadership politics would affect the bill. All three candidates to succeed Cretien, former finance minister Paul Martin, Heritage Minister Sheila Copps and Deputy Prime Minister John Manley - have said they favor doing away with jail terms and criminal records for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Paddy Torsney, who chaired an all-party committee that spent months studying the subject before recommending decriminalization, said there's no reason why Cretien's timetable can't be met. She curtly rejected claims that there hasn't been enough consultation. "There are lots of opportunity for discussion (for) those who had something to say about it," said Torsney, "We argued out the issues and we came up with what we think is the best response for Canadians." Cauchon conceded yesterday that drug-impaired driving laws will also need an overhaul in light of the new regime. "We will come up with reform on that side as soon as we can," Cauchon told the House of Commons. "We want to make sure that we will be able to develop a test that will be accepted by the courts." Cauchon was reluctant, however to explain exactly what kind of moves he has in mind. Nor would he guarantee that stronger impaired-driving provisions will be enshrined in the Criminal Code by the end of the year - the self-imposed deadline for decriminalizing possession of small amounts of pot. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom