Pubdate: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2014 The Edmonton Journal Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Glen McGregor Page: A8 HEALTH CANADA PITCHES DOCTORS ON ANTI-POT ADS Tories' move comes alongside campaign attacking Trudeau OTTAWA - As the Conservatives repeatedly attack Liberal leader Justin Trudeau over his support for the legalization of marijuana, the federal government has asked three groups representing Canadian doctors to endorse a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign warning about the drug's health risks for young people. Health Canada has approached the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada asking them to sign on to the broadcast advertising campaign, scheduled to launch some time in the fall. The organizations would not be required to fund the ad campaign, estimated to cost $5 million, but their logos and endorsements would appear in them, according to a source familiar with the proposal. The campaign comes as the Conservative Party runs its own attack ads alleging Trudeau's approach to legalization would make it easier for children to obtain pot. On Tuesday, the party premiered an online video highlighting Trudeau's statements on legalization, with the closing line "Help keep marijuana away from our kids." The Tories have also repeatedly cited Trudeau's marijuana position in email campaigns aimed at shaking more money out of supporters, even though recent polls show Canadians warming to the idea of liberalizing marijuana laws. In a pamphlet sent to constituents earlier this year, Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino alleged that Trudeau wants to "make buying marijuana a normal, everyday activity for young Canadians" and even charged that the Liberal leader wants to allow the sale of pot in corner stores. In fact, Trudeau has suggested the government regulate and tax the sale of marijuana, similar to provincially regulated beer and liquor sales, and says this will help keep the drug away from children. The request from Health Canada has made some affiliated with the organizations nervous about taking a public stance on what is becoming an increasingly partisan political issue, even if many physicians are concerned about pot's long-term effects on physical and mental health. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt