Pubdate: Tue, 03 Sep 2013
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013, BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948
Author: Chris Bush

NDP FAVOURS ABOLISHING SENATE

Tom Mulcair, national NDP Party leader, stopped for morning coffee and
to pitch the party's platform to abolish the Senate and work for
marijuana reform Friday.

Mulcair and his wife, Catherine Pinhas, were greeted by a small
gathering of about 40 supporters and press at Mon Petit Choux Bakery
and Cafe at about 8 a.m. for a meet and greet with supporters and local 
MLAs.

Mulcair categorized the visit as part of a "listening tour" to hear
concerns of British Columbians, but the overall tone of the event
seemed a lot more like a campaign stop as he promoted federal NDP
goals of abolishing the Senate and attacked the federal Conservatives
and Liberals.

"Well, it's a continuation of what we've been doing since May when we
launched the Roll Up the Red Carpet campaign," Mulcair said. "We've
had the same position for quite a long time, in fact going back to the
(Co-operative Commonwealth Federation Party), that in a democratic
society you don't let unelected people make laws for the rest of it.
You especially don't let unelected people reverse the laws. You might
recall that the House of Commons enacted legislation to fight climate
change with a bill to reduce greenhouse gasses and it was adopted by
the the House of Commons, but reversed by the Senate, so that was a
watershed moment for Canadians."

Mulcair also cited recent scandals involving senators Mike Duffy and
Pamela Wallin.

"You don't fill the place full of bag men, party hacks and fundraisers
and then expect Canadians to have respect for such an institution,"
Mulcair said.

Mulcair also said he is in favour of decriminalization of marijuana
and made a point of suggesting Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was
hypocritical by admitting he had used marijuana, but voted with Prime
Minister Stephen Harper to increase penalties for marijuana possession.

"Actions speak louder than words," Mulcair said. "If you're saying
that marijuana can be used and can be legalized, which is what we've
been saying for 40 years, you start with that and then you work on the
rest of it. You do the best analysis possible to rate the
concentrations, the strengths and the types of drugs you're dealing
with and then you can go to the extra step, but it has to be done in
order if it's going to be credible."

Ideas and concerns from Islanders Mulcair said he'll take back to
Ottawa centre on the environment and the desire for sustainable
development and pressures from foreign interests multinational
corporations.
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MAP posted-by: Matt