Pubdate: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 Source: Kitchener-Waterloo Record (CN ON) Copyright: 2003 Kitchener-Waterloo Record Contact: http://www.therecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/225 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) NEW NATIONAL POLICE GROUP TO FLEX POWER OVER DRUG LAWS A new national police organization that is meeting for the first time this week wants to stop Ottawa from softening Canada's marijuana laws. The new 54,000-member Canadian Professional Police Association plans to use its increased clout to persuade federal politicians that loosening the laws is the wrong tack to take in the battle for the street, said president Tony Cannavino. "The marijuana issue is very important," the former head of the Quebec Provincial Police Officers Association said yesterday. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom