Pubdate: Wed, 07 Sep 2005
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Cristin Schmitz
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

FEDERAL ELECTION TO DELAY MARIJUANA BILL

Cannabis Decriminalization Unlikely To Pass By Year-End

The Liberals' contentious bill to decriminalize possession of small amounts 
of cannabis will probably be put off until after the federal election next 
year.

After being stuck in legislative limbo since it was introduced by the 
Chretien government more than two years ago, the marijuana bill has finally 
climbed to the top of the Commons justice committee's agenda.

It's the only piece of government business left on the committee's plate, 
apart from a companion bill dealing with drug-impaired driving that is 
poised for quick approval.

But Ontario MP Paul Macklin, parliamentary secretary to Justice Minister 
Irwin Cotler, said instead of pushing ahead with the cannabis bill, the 
government will probably approach the opposition about pursuing less 
contentious initiatives, such as recently tabled bills on proceeds of crime 
and human trafficking, both of which have all-party support in principle.

"We are still committed to (decriminalization of marijuana) but it's a 
question of time, and achieving goals in the period of time that we have," 
explained Mr. Macklin.

He suggested the marijuana bill, which is opposed by the Tories, would 
attract too many witnesses to allow the committee to approve it before the 
election that is expected to be called by Prime Minister Paul Martin in 
January.

"I just don't know how we could likely get it through," said Mr. Macklin, 
who denied the Martin government is trying to distance itself from a bill 
that has triggered warnings from U.S. authorities of potential problems 
with bilateral relations and border security.

But Bloc Quebecois justice critic Richard Marceau argued the government 
should be able to pass the marijuana bill before the election, although he 
supports passing the proceeds of crime bill first.

The Bloc and NDP back the marijuana decriminalization bill in principle.

"If the political will is there on the part of the government, the will is 
there on our side," Mr. Marceau said.

Mr. Marceau said the Martin government appears to feel "stuck" with the 
Chretien-era initiative. "I think Paul Martin is not as strong a supporter 
of that bill as his predecessor," he suggested. He added U.S. opposition to 
the bill is irrelevant in Canada.

"The U.S. has no say" on a bill that "is going to help law enforcement 
fight drug trafficking since they won't be wasting their time running after 
small occasional users, or people with simple possession, and will be able 
to put their efforts against big dealers."
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman