Pubdate: Thu, 27 Sep 2012
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author: Kevin Diakiw

B.C. CIVIC LEADERS VOTE TO DECRIMINALIZE POT

B.C. civic leaders have voted to support the decriminalization of 
marijuana, at a gathering of provincial municipalities Wednesday.

Delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), a civic lobby 
group, voted in favour of a resolution calling for the 
decriminalization and taxation of marijuana.

The resolution itself won't change any existing laws, but it will put 
pressure on senior levels of government, namely Ottawa, to make those changes.

The delegates were divided amongst those who believe 
decriminalization will lead to more harmful drugs becoming more 
available on the street, while those in favour say current laws allow 
organized crime to make massive profits.

Surrey's representatives voted against the initiative.

Against the resolution were Mayor Dianne Watts, and Couns. Marvin 
Hunt, Bruce Hayne and Linda Hepner. Coun. Barinder Rasode voted in 
favour, while Couns. Mary Martin, Barbara Steele and Judy Villeneuve 
were not at the vote.

Rasode said she's read a lot on the subject and believes the current 
system simply isn't working.

She said it was an extremely tough decision.

Mayor Dianne Watts said if anything is going to be done about 
marijuana laws, it has to be part of a much larger public policy 
initiative, that includes, addiction, marijuana grow operations and gangs.

"The decriminalization of marijuana is not going to solve the gang 
problem," Watts said.

Hepner said there simply isn't enough information there to make a 
snap decision on the floor.

The marijuana resolution is one of more than 200 being considered by 
about 1,500 delegates in Victoria this week.

One of them, calls for more federal disclosure to municipalities as 
to where medical marijuana is being grown.

As of Wednesday afternoon, that vote hadn't taken place.

Surrey's fire chief says its known the residences where those crops 
are grown have a significantly higher chance of burning than a regular home.

The convention opened Monday with two days of study sessions, forums 
and tours. On Thursday, NDP Leader Adrian Dix will address the 
delegates followed by Premier Christy Clark, who will give the 
closing address on Friday.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom