Pubdate: Sun, 29 Dec 2013
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2013 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Jenn Gearey
Page: 16
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor.

HARD STANCE ON POT

Re: "Tories need strategy if pot's high on agenda." Thank you for the 
opportunity to correct this editorial. Minister Peter MacKay did not 
provide any exclusive interview to QMI Agency this week. More 
importantly, the Conservative government, including MacKay, has been 
clear: we will not decriminalize or legalize marijuana. These drugs are 
illegal because of the harmful effects they have on users and on society.

Prime Minister Harper stated in late August, and MacKay has reiterated 
in mid December, that our government would look at the Canadian 
Association of Chiefs of Police's (CACP) proposal to ticket small 
amounts of marijuana. The CACP has also communicated that it does not 
support the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana and opposes 
Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party proposal to legalize it. To do so would 
make it more available to Canadian children. Our government will not 
relent in protecting families and communities across this country. We 
have strengthened the ability of police to target drug dealers and 
grow-ops and will continue to improve our criminal justice system.

Jenn Gearey

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER PETER MCKAY

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(Thanks for clarifying.)
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MAP posted-by: Matt