Pubdate: Sat, 16 Aug 2014
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2014 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/wEtbT4yU
Website: http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Glen McGregor
Page: A4

CMA RETHINKS ITS BACKING OF GOVERNMENT ANTI-POT AD

OTTAWA - Groups that represent Canadian doctors are reconsidering 
their involvement in a government-sponsored advertising campaign on 
the dangers of marijuana for young people after Liberal leader Justin 
Trudeau denounced the ads as a partisan attack on his position on the drug.

Health Canada had asked the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal 
College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family 
Physicians of Canada to endorse a $5-million broadcast campaign that 
would begin in the fall.

The Health Canada ads come as the Conservative party assails Mr. 
Trudeau for supporting the legalization of marijuana. The party has 
repeatedly claimed he would make it easier for children to get the drug.

At least two of the physicians' groups are reconsidering their 
participation after the Ottawa Citizen reported this week about 
concerns the nonpartisan organizations could be drawn into the debate 
over marijuana policy.

"In light of the campaign evolving into a political debate about 
Canada's marijuana policy, the Royal College is currently assessing 
its participation," said the organization's president, Dr. Andrew Padmos.

"We do not support or endorse any political campaigns on this issue 
and will comment further on our future involvement once a decision 
has been reached."

The College of Family Physicians of Canada said Friday its further 
involvement was now "being discussed."

The CMA, which represents 80,000 physicians, is expected to issue a 
statement Saturday.

Health Canada had asked the doctors' groups only to review the ads 
for accuracy and agree to have their logos appear by way of endorsement.

In Saskatoon on Thursday, Mr. Trudeau spoke out against the ad campaign.

"We know that Canadian taxpayers are getting extremely frustrated 
with the fact this government tends to use public money for ads that 
do more for its partisan aims than for actual public service," he said.

Mr. Trudeau said he wants to control and regulate the drug to keep it 
away from children, adding that it can be damaging for young people 
whose brains are still developing.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom