Pubdate: Thu, 31 Jul 2014
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Page: A11
Copyright: 2014 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Mark Kennedy
Referenced: 2014 national justice survey:
http://mapinc.org/url/5DpzjD3O

POLL: CANADIANS WANT SOFTER POT LAWS

More than two-thirds of Canadians want this country's marijuana laws
softened, according to an opinion poll conducted for the federal
government earlier this year.

And while a small majority of the public believes companies should not
be permitted to sell marijuana just as they sell alcohol and
cigarettes, it's clear that many Canadians have no problem with the
proposition. The results of the national survey of 3,000 people,
commissioned by the Department of Justice, is bound to add fuel to the
political debate now intensifying in advance of the 2015 election.

LIBERALS

The Liberals under Justin Trudeau are advocating the legalization of
marijuana so that its sale is regulated and pot is harder for youths
to obtain.

CONSERVATIVES

The Conservatives say they won't take that step because they believe
it would lead to more kids smoking marijuana. Instead, the government
is considering allowing police to lay fines against those who are
caught with small amounts of marijuana.

POLL

As both parties prepare for the political battle, the government hired
Ipsos-Reid to conduct focus groups and an extensive poll to gauge
Canadians' views on hot-button issues such as marijuana and
prostitution.

The results of the research were posted online by the government
Wednesday and provide an explanatory backdrop to its policy agenda.

"The government of Canada wanted a clear and current understanding of
the Canadian public opinion on a range of justice issues," said the
report.

The poll, conducted Jan. 30 to Feb. 7, found Canadians were relatively
divided about how the government should legislate on
prostitution.

In early June, Justice Minister Peter MacKay introduced contentious
legislation to prohibit the purchase of sex from prostitutes.

It also bans sex workers from selling their services near schools,
playgrounds and daycare centres. Critics say the bill is deeply flawed
and will eventually be struck down by the courts.

By comparison, the poll suggested Canadians are not happy with the
status quo on marijuana. It found that many Canadians don't think
legalization would increase pot smoking in this country: 52.6 per cent
believe marijuana use would "stay about the same" if legalized, 38.4
per cent say it would increase, and 6.3 per cent say it would decrease.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D