Pubdate: Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2014 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact: http://www.edmontonsun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Jessica Hume
Page: 20

TRUDEAU DEFENDS POT LEGALIZATION

OTTAWA - Justin Trudeau yesterday accused the government of 
fear-mongering with its attacks on his pot legalization policy.

"A UN study says out of 29 developed countries, Canada is No. 1 in 
teen marijuana use," Trudeau told reporters. "The approach (justice 
minister Peter) MacKay and (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper are using 
of prohibition isn't helping kids and millions of dollars are 
funnelling to gangs."

The Liberal leader said evidence supports his policy to legalize, 
regulate and tax marijuana sales like alcohol, a policy he insists 
will make it more difficult for kids to access weed.

"Canadian families deserve better with a policy based on evidence," 
Trudeau said. "That's what we're proposing."

Trudeau said he won't unveil his platform prior to an election 
campaign, but he's been clear he wants to legalize marijuana.

Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney tweeted that Trudeau's "support 
for unregulated, unlicensed marijuana grow-ops in neighbourhoods will 
make drugs more accessible and put kids at risk."

Officials at Public Safety Canada told QMI Agency: "Legalization is 
an irresponsible policy that only puts dangerous drugs on our streets 
and in our communities and sends the wrong message to children that 
recreational drug use is OK."

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair has said he believes smoking weed is a 
personal issue and last month reaffirmed his party's view that 
decriminalization is the best policy.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom