Pubdate: Tue, 02 Nov 2004 Source: London Free Press (CN ON) Copyright: 2004 The London Free Press a division of Sun Media Corporation. Contact: http://www.lfpress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/243 Author: Alexander Panetta, Canadian Press RELAXED POT POSSESSION BILL RETURNS The Liberals Will Need Voting Help In Order To Decriminalize Possession Of Marijuana. OTTAWA -- The long push to reform marijuana laws took a big step forward yesterday as the federal government re-introduced legislation decriminalizing possession for personal use. Like identical legislation that died with the federal election call, Bill C-17 would treat possession of small quantities of pot much like a speeding ticket. Instead of jail time, the punishment would be a $150 fine for adults and $100 for minors holding 15 grams or less -- enough to roll about 30 joints. But anybody caught with more than 15 grams would still face jail time - -- with a possible six months in prison -- and a maximum fine of $1,000. The Liberals moved to silence anti-drug critics by also retabling a bill to toughen the rules against drug-impaired driving. Police would gain the power to force motorists to submit to drug testing, and refusal to comply would be punishable by the same laws against drunk driving. The Liberals appeared set to trumpet the tougher rules while downplaying the relaxation of marijuana laws in an effort to stave off criticism from the Conservatives. "Possession and consumption of marijuana is illegal and will remain illegal," Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said. "The only change here revolves around decriminalization for people holding small quantities." The Liberals' precarious minority government position means that even if most of their MPs support Bill C-17 they will need help from the opposition benches to pass it. The Bloc Quebecois has only minor concerns with the legislation, said one party official in an indication the Liberals could find that support. The Conservatives appeared more likely to oppose it, with the party's justice critic warning it could hurt economic ties with the United States. "As my constituents say to me, 'We would rather be working than smoking drugs.' It's as simple as that," said Manitoba MP Vic Toews. "How can this government guarantee there won't be retaliatory actions by the Americans?" The Bush administration has warned of a possible traffic slowdown at the border as U.S. agents search more vehicles for marijuana. The NDP has some concerns and will push for further loosening of the law. The legislation is expected to come up for debate before a parliamentary committee in two weeks. The NDP will seek amnesty for the estimated 600,000 Canadians who have a criminal record because they were caught for simple possession, said party justice critic Libby Davies. The party also wants the rules for growing pot at home -- a $500 fine for adults caught with three plants or less -- to be loosened slightly. Anybody caught with more than three plants now faces up to five years in jail, or 18 months plus a $25,000 fine. "We want to combat the growth in grow-ops, their relationship to organized crime," Cotler said. - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFLorida)