Pubdate: Fri, 06 Sep 2002
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2002 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Tom Blackwell

POT WORSE THAN ALCOHOL, HARPER SAYS

BARRIE, Ont. - Stephen Harper, the Canadian Alliance leader, accused a 
Senate committee yesterday of all but encouraging marijuana use, and said 
he would personally worry more about his children smoking pot than imbibing 
alcohol.

Mr. Harper condemned the committee's report, saying it underlines the need 
for an elected upper House that would be accountable for its actions.

The report, released this week, concluded marijuana is less harmful than 
alcohol or tobacco and proposed the drug be legalized.

"It is not simply that I think the recommendations are fairly radical.... 
They border almost on advocating use of marijuana," the official Opposition 
leader said on the second day of an Alliance caucus retreat here.

"I've got to say as a parent that I simply don't share the view that 
alcohol is more harmful than marijuana.

"As a parent, I would be more concerned about pot use than alcohol use by 
my children, even in moderation."

He said he reached his conclusions from observation, not personal 
experience. As an asthmatic, the Alliance chief said he has never smoked 
any substance, legal or otherwise.

Addiction experts note alcohol abuse is responsible for thousands of ruined 
lives, injuries and death through its social, health and driving-related 
effects.

It is not an issue Mr. Harper is likely to have to tackle on the home front 
soon; his children are five and three.

Mr. Harper also suggested yesterday Canada should remain open-minded about 
taking part in an invasion of Iraq. He also said he will not release the 
names of his leadership-campaign donors until the government passes a law 
making it mandatory for everyone to do so.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart