Pubdate: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 Source: Sault This Week (ON CN) Copyright: 2003 Osprey Media Group, Inc. Contact: http://www.saultthisweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2398 LAW ENFORCEMENT LEFT IN STATE OF CONFUSION WITH MARIJUANA FROM CHIEF THOMAS KAYE, President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police: (An open letter to the citizens of Ontario) At a time when the combined efforts of all levels of government seem to be focused on creating healthier lifestyles, preventing smoking, getting people off drugs and prolonging life, we are shocked that law enforcement and the citizens of Ontario have been left in a state of confusion, uncertainty, and danger over the laws relating to the possession of marihuana. A judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently ruled that simple possession of marihuana is no longer an offence "known to law". This decision is being appealed by the federal Department of Justice, however, in the interim, Ontario courts are refusing to hear charges of possession of marihuana. While the federal government has been wrestling with the notion of decriminalizing the drug, the courts have, in effect, legalized the simple possession of cannabis in Ontario. The message created by this court decision is disturbing. Police have been left with NO legislative authority for action as they strive to fulfill their duties to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario: Drinking a beer while driving a motor vehicle is an offense, while smoking a marihuana cigarette while driving is not! A 12-year-old cannot legally obtain a commercially manufactured cigarette made of tobacco, but they can possess and smoke marihuana, even within a school environment! While it is contrary to most city bylaws to smoke tobacco in public places, it is not an offence to smoke marihuana! Carnage caused by impaired drivers each year includes hundreds of victims killed and thousands injured. There is no satisfactory process to assist police to identify drivers under the influence of marihuana. Evidence clearly indicates that organized crime is heavily involved in marihuana grow operations in the neighbourhoods of our communities and in the distribution of homegrown marihuana in Canada and internationally. Violence in our communities is often a result of these lucrative operations. Our communities require immediate resolve to this issue. To ensure the safety of our communities, especially our children, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police urges the Citizens of Ontario to demand a speedy resolution to this critical public safety issue by contacting the office of the Prime Minister, the Premier of Ontario and their local members of Parliament. Prime Minister Jean Chretien 80 Wellington St. Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2 Fax: (613) 941-6900 E-mail: Premier Ernie Eves Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 Fax: (416) --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart