Pubdate: Wed, 08 Dec 2004
Source: Valley Echo, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 The Valley Echo
Contact:  http://www.invermerevalleyecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2140
Author: Jim Abbott
Note: Jim Abott is an MP, Kootenay-Columbia
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

Decriminalize marijuana?

The federal Liberals are proposing decriminalization of marijuana. This new 
legislation is not well written. It's basically a carbon copy of a bill 
that was introduced in the last Parliament.

These proposed amendments to existing laws were flawed and irresponsible in 
several ways previously and the flaws are duplicated in the new law.

I support the concept of eliminating criminal records for minor marijuana 
possessions. But, the new legislation would allow for the decriminalization 
of up to 30 grams of pot that roughly translates into 60 joints.

This much pot far exceeds any reasonable amount for personal possession. 
Under this proposed law, young people will receive a break through a lesser 
fine of $100 while adults are fined $150.

This doesn't make sense. The message to youth should reflect that a penalty 
is a deterrent for using marijuana.

Conservative Solicitor General Critic, Randy White said, "Canada should be 
telling kids not to smoke pot; instead we're telling kids you'll just get a 
fine."

I agree. These fines are ridiculously low and don't increase for subsequent 
offences. We need structures in place to force fine payment and it should 
be mandatory for the RCMP to issue a summons after a person has received 
three or more fines - three strikes and it becomes a criminal offence.

I agree with stiffer fines and jail terms for marijuana grow-ops, but 
question why the penalties are still at a judge's choice. I stand behind 
mandatory minimum sentences so jail time for those convicted doesn't vary 
at the discretion of a judge.

In my view, the proposed law also doesn't offer anything to address the 
problems it will create with the U.S.

American officials have concerns about Canada being a source of high 
potency marijuana, which finds its way across the border.

We need to begin discussions with the U.S. to address and eliminate 
cross-border issues that are not addressed in this bill.

During the last Parliament, the Conservative Party and various police and 
victims groups made a number of recommendations to improve the proposed 
law, which have all been ignored.

The Liberal government is trying to pass seriously flawed legislation that 
sends the wrong message about the seriousness of drug offences.

Recently, I visited several high schools in the Kootenay-Columbia 
constituency and raised the issue of decriminalizing marijuana. After 
discussion the students concluded it wouldn't meet the goal of 
decriminalizing marijuana and it will fail to reform enforcement and 
backlogs in court related to marijuana related offences.

Criminals will still control the lucrative business of marijuana production 
and trafficking while the courts will continue to be backed up by people 
challenging their fines. Busting kids for passing around a joint at a party 
is also not the answer.

The bill had its first reading in the House of Commons and has been 
referred to the committee stage where the Conservative Party and I will 
fight to make changes and improvements.
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