Pubdate: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Copyright: 2013 Jenn Gearey Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503 Author: Jenn Gearey Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor. FEDS CLEAR THE AIR The Conservative Government, including Minister 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 Minister 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 COMMUNICATIONS, OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER PETER MACKAY (Thanks for the letter.) - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D