Pubdate: Wed, 03 Oct 2012
Source: Lake Country Calendar (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Black Press
Contact: http://www.lakecountrycalendar.com/contact_us/
Website: http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/lakecountrycalendar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2229
Author: Barry Gerding

BAKER PLEASED WITH RESPONSE

The mayor of Lake Country says he's pleased a resolution calling for 
the legalization of marijuana was adopted at the Union of B.C. 
Municipalities convention last week.

James Baker said the resolution was put to a show of hands on the 
convention floor, then subjected to an electronic vote count. "The 
vote was passed by a majority on the floor, and ended up with a 67 to 
33 per cent vote in support," Baker said.

He hopes the vote sends a message that the debate on the legalization 
of pot, and the whole idea of the so-called war on drugs, is given a review.

"I would ultimately like to see it regulated the way alcohol is today 
but I'm not sure if I will see that actually happen in my lifetime," 
Baker acknowledged.

"But our resolution can hopefully get the discussion going about it."

Baker said marijuana production is a $7- to $8-billion industry in 
this province, and a business that operates free of taxation.

"I think it's time to look at the marijuana problem differently," 
said Baker, who was one of the mayors to sign his support to the resolution.

"I think when you start having gang shootups like what occurred in 
downtown Kelowna and the proliferation of gang violence around drugs, 
something has to change."

Baker said that MLAs and MPs have told him that Canada can't act 
unilaterally on the issue without the endorsement of the U.S., which 
remains committed to prohibition.

He said there were differing opinions voiced at the convention about 
the, including differences from neighbouring Kelowna city councillors.

"I think ultimately if any change is going to occur, it has to come 
from the people who demand that change," Baker said. "Hopefully that 
will come about so we don't tie up so much money on marijuana 
enforcement and police resources chasing something that we just can't win."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom