Pubdate: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
Source: Nunatsiaq News (CN NU)
Copyright: 2006 Nortext Publishing Corporation
Contact:  http://www.nunatsiaq.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/694
Author: John Thompson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MARIJUANA PARTY GIVEN FEWER PUFFS ON-AIR

CBC Debate Limits Speaking Time For Ed De Vries

The news came to Ed de Vries like a bad trip.

With no travel budget, Nunavut's candidate for the Marijuana Party 
planned to reach the ears of voters through the airwaves during the 
on-air candidates forum, hosted by CBC radio.

But last week he was told he could only speak for three minutes 
during the introduction, and three minutes at closing, if time 
permits. Unlike candidates for the other parties, he won't be allowed 
to field questions.

"They don't want me to speak because they know what I could offer. 
The people of Nunavut would jump for it," he said.

De Vries said he represents a silent majority in Nunavut.

That's because he estimates about 75 per cent of Inuit and 60 per 
cent non-Inuit smoke dope. "And that's a conservative estimate," he said.

He said the election of a Marijuana Party member would help push 
forward reforms to legalize the possession and cultivation of marijuana.

"This would send a serious message to the rest of Canada, and the 
world," he said. "This would stand the world on its head."

De Vries offered a tall list of promises he said would fall into 
place if Nunavut followed his plan to build marijuana grow-operations 
around the territory.

They include a detox centre, Inuit cultural programs, new schools, 
breakfast programs for kids, hockey equipment and much more.

Until then, he said he's working on making cannabis available in a 
form you can spray into your mouth for medicinal purposes. He's also 
recently been in contact with a marijuana health advocate who's 
interested in speaking to students in schools -- something some 
parents may not be too thrilled about.

De Vries argued he'd be a stronger voice for Nunavut than the 
incumbent, Nancy Karetak-Lindell. He said that as a Liberal Party 
member, she isn't always free to speak her mind.

"She needs Liberal consent to raise issues that are northern."

He wants an independent inquiry into allegations of an RCMP slaughter 
of sled dogs, led by Inuit elders and "select judicial 
representatives" chosen by Inuit.

De Vries faces several marijuana-related criminal charges, including 
laundering the proceeds of crime, one count of drug trafficking and 
one count of conspiracy to commit trafficking.

If convicted, he could face jail time -- which would compromise his 
ability to represent Nunavut in the House of Commons. But every vote 
will help boost his cause, regardless of the outcome of his court 
case, he said.

"If I get a couple thousand votes, and people know I'm being charged 
for marijuana offences, isn't that a clear message? Isn't that better 
than 12 people on a jury?

"Let the green rain, man. Let it fall."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman