Pubdate: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU) Copyright: 2004 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274 Author: Sean Gordon / CanWest News Service Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) MARTIN REJECTS U.S. POT BILL WARNING 'Canada Will Make Its Own Laws, Pure And Simple,' PM Asserts Prime Minister Paul Martin is brushing aside warnings from U.S. ambassador Paul Cellucci that a border crackdown will result if Canada decriminalizes marijuana, saying simply that Canada reserves the right to pass laws as it sees fit. Asked what he made of Cellucci's prediction that relaxed marijuana laws in Canada will worsen the perennial congestion at border crossings with the U.S., Martin was unequivocal. "Firstly, the legislation is before the House of Commons, then the parliamentary committee will have its discussions on all the various points, and we'll wait to see the legislation that comes from that. But Canada will make its own laws, pure and simple," Martin said. Business groups have raised the alarm over the possible tie-ups resulting from more liberal marijuana laws in Canada, saying that even the current border morass costs Canadian businesses billions of dollars annually. It is estimated that $1.2 billion in goods and services travel across the border each day, making it the world's most lucrative bilateral trading relationship. The opposition Conservatives, who insist the draft legislation is deeply flawed, renewed calls to shelve the pot bill until trade disputes with the Bush administration over beef and softwood lumber exports are ironed out. "Why are we bringing it forward at a time when we have so many trade disputes with the United States,?" said Tory justice critic Vic Toews. "I want assurances from the Americans that they're comfortable with (Canada's position). "We have not got that, they're telling us it's going to impact on our trade, and if it's going to impact on our trade, let's bury this bill." The draft legislation calls for fines of $150 for adults - $100 for minors - caught in possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana. The bill also proposes tougher sentences for those who produce the drug. Companion legislation is also aimed at curbing so-called "drug drivers." A similar proposal to ease marijuana laws died on the order paper prior to last summer's federal election. On Tuesday, ambassador Cellucci told the National Post's editorial board he was perplexed by the timing of the new pot bill. "Why, when we're trying to take pressure off the border, would Canada pass a law that would put pressure on the border?," he asked. "If people think it's easier to get marijuana in Canada, then our people at the border are going to be on the lookout, and I think they will stop more vehicles, particularly vehicles driven by young people, whether they're citizens of Canada or the United States." A spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan, the government's lead minister for border matters, said U.S. officials have told the federal government they remain committed to easing border congestion. Officials also pointed out that marijuana seizures represent just a small portion of the contraband intercepted at the Canada-U.S. border. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek