Pubdate: Wed, 27 Sep 2006
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Copyright: Metro 2006
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775

CUTS CREATE DISAPPOINTMENT

Pine Beetle Money Had Been Promised, NDP Critic Says

Local groups are reacting with disappointment at the federal 
government's decision to axe funding for programs including medical 
marijuana, tourism and the pine beetle epidemic.

Research into medical marijuana will no longer receive the $4 million 
allocated by the previous Liberal government.

"We think the decision is premature," said Cathy Adair, of the 
Canadian Cancer Society's B.C./Yukon division.

Adair said the society supports cancer patients who use marijuana to 
combat symptoms like nausea and pain.

But she added that more research is needed to learn how to "balance 
therapeutic benefit, while minimizing long term harmful effects."

The B.C. Compassion Club's Rielle Capler said research needs to be 
done into which strains of cannabis work best to combat different symptoms.

Tourism Vancouver executive vice-president Paul Valee was equally 
unhappy with the elimination of a $79-million program to give tax 
refunds to tourists.

"We are extremely disappointed and very surprised," he said, noting 
that Canada competes with countries in Europe and elsewhere with 
similar programs.

Vallee said the tourism industry plans to lobby Parliament to reject the cut.

B.C. NDP Forestry Critic Bob Simpson recalled a campaign promise by 
Prime Minister Stephen Harper to provide $1 billion to deal with the 
pine beetle infestation.

Harper's government cut $11.7 million earmarked for the mountain pine 
beetle initiative.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine