Pubdate: Wed, 07 Sep 2005
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
9e2-4efd-b017-9922c25c197e
Copyright: 2005 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Cristin Schmitz, CanWest News Service

LIBERALS COULD TAKE POT BILL OFF THE TABLE UNTIL AFTER ELECTION

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 pot 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 by members.

But Ontario member of Parliament 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
moving ahead quickly with other 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,"
Macklin explained. "We want as much of our agenda through as we can."

He suggested the pot bill, which is opposed by the Conservatives, would
probably attract too many witnesses to allow the committee to study and
approve it before the election that is expected to be called in January.

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.
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MAP posted-by: Josh