Pubdate: Thu, 29 May 2003
Source: Fort Frances Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 Fort Frances Times Limited
Contact:  http://www.fftimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2343
Author: Jim Brown

BACKBENCHERS UNEASY OVER POT BILL

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, a Toronto-area MP, 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," Karygiannis charged.

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 already is 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 he 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 will be," said Harvard. "It sounds to me like 
that would be a little soon."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens