Pubdate: Tue, 19 Feb 2002
Source: Kamloops Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Kamloops Daily News
Contact:  http://www.southam.com/kamloopsdailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/679
Author: Cam Fortems
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

HINTON BACKS SMALL FINES FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION

Kamloops MP Betty Hinton favours small fines rather than criminal 
records for marijuana possession.

Hinton said Monday she would vote in favour of a private member's 
bill from fellow Canadian Alliance MP Keith Martin this week that 
would decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot.

"You're not allowed in law school or across the border with a 
criminal record," she said. "It would take that out, which is a good 
thing."

Hinton originally said she was uncertain what way she would vote on 
the issue and got opinion on both sides. She spoke with medical 
experts, law enforcement officials and local citizens.

"I heard some police officers with serious concerns. I don't want to 
support anything that would damage youth. Marijuana does, so does 
tobacco and drinking. You have to look at the big picture."

Hinton said there are strong feelings on both sides of the issue 
among Alliance caucus members.

"Some people don't want to support anything that would lead to 
legalization. No one in my caucus would support legalization."

The bill would see fines levied for possession of between one and 30 
grams of marijuana, starting at $200 for a first offence and 
graduating to $1,000 for third-time offenders.

The bill estimates it will save the country $150 million a year in 
reduced court and legal costs.

Hinton has also drafted her own private member's bill that will be 
put in a lottery for possible debate or voting later this year. It 
would stop lawsuits against the federal government from wrongs dating 
more than 25 years.

"If we keep dealing with and paying for the past, we can't plan for 
the future," argues Hinton. "Things are coming in from 100 years ago 
as in the claim from New Brunswick on slavery. We're not going 
forward. My concern is for the future."

Hinton said the bill stems from concern about church liabilities from 
native residential school claims and from comments made by First 
Nations people.

"Because of the issue of liability, they're (government) not allowed 
to apologize publicly and heal any rift. There are churches, 
including in our area, that face losing everything. I've talked to 
native people from across the country who say, "It doesn't help me. I 
want some kind of healing circle or access to psychiatrists.' If all 
the money goes out (to settlements), there won't be any money for the 
masses."
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MAP posted-by: Josh