Pubdate: Wed, 23 Sep 2009
Source: Grand Forks Gazette (CN BC)
Page: 4
Copyright: 2009 Sterling Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/525
Note: The newspaper does not have an active website.
Author: Shella Gardezi
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE

Three weeks ago I wrote a column asking Coun. Joy Davies to come 
clean on the members of her "marijuana task force," which she says 
will be bringing recommendations to council in approximately four 
months time. In response, she told me "freedom of information" 
doesn't apply until this task force makes its recommendations.

Some of these committee members are representing our city.  Some of 
these members represent us in other ways.  Some of them are working 
for public institutions.  Whether you are for or against a public 
medical marijuana campaign in our community you have a right to know.

Davies has presented to us a general list of people who will be on 
the committee and she said everyone on the list agreed except MLA John Slater.

Based on this list, the people on this committee are:

Two members of council.  That means Davies and one other.  The only 
likely members are Mayor Brian Taylor, Coun. Christine Thompson or 
Coun. Chris Moslin. Contact them through City Hall.

Member of Parliament Alex Atamenenko. You can reach him at his 
constituency office at 1-800-667-2393

Fire Chief. That's Blair MacGregor. You can reach him through City Hall.

Senior's representative. David Janzen has announced has announced to 
council that he was selected by unanimous vote to represent his 
seniors' club on this committee.

Hospital representative and Interior Health Authority representative. 
Our local hospital is governed by the Interior Health Authority, 
which in turn, is governed by a public board. Norman Embree is the chair.

The other members are a doctor, a counselor/psychologist, a medical 
user, law enforcement or lawyer, representative of the Doukhobor 
community and master grower. Davies mentioned there was a lawyer on 
the committee which would rule out a law enforcement representative. 
If this is a little confusing that's because government should be 
operated in an open and transparent manner.  You know, the way our 
council told us it would be a year ago, when they were running for election.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom