Pubdate: Tue, 01 Mar 2005
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 The Edmonton Journal
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Joe Paraskevas, CanWest News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LIBERAL CONVERT ADAMANT ABOUT LEGALIZING POT

St.-Maurice Founded The Marijuana Party

OTTAWA - Political defections to the Liberal party aren't unusual, but the 
announcement today to confirm the issuance of Liberal membership No. 766001 
is bound to turn heads.

Marc-Boris St-Maurice, the founder and former leader of the Marijuana 
party, is the latest Liberal convert.

St-Maurice, 36, said Monday he wants to help the Liberals become the party 
that completely legalizes marijuana and he believes there is already 
substantial support for such legislation among party members.

"They may be silent supporters, but I know for a fact that it's very strong 
support and I will try and -- without trying to make any puns - smoke them 
out, identify them and work to try and come together and make (new 
legislation) work," he said.

The Liberal government's bill C-17, which would decriminalize possession 
and production of small amounts of marijuana, making such offences 
punishable with fines, is currently before the Commons' justice committee.

In the last eight years, St-Maurice has helped organize parties dedicated 
to reforming marijuana laws. He's been arrested seven times for possessing 
small amounts of marijuana and appeared before committees of the House of 
Commons and the Senate.
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MAP posted-by: Beth