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OTTAWA -- The federal government reintroduced a bill yesterday to decriminalize possession of small quantities of marijuana, but failed to reduce the maximum threshold from 15 grams. Any changes would have to be proposed by MPs, an official in the Prime Minister's Office said.
The government wants the law to pass before the next federal election, expected in the spring, in the hope of muting any criticism.
The bill was reintroduced at third reading, meaning it won't have to be re-examined by a parliamentary committee. That would change if the House of Commons reduces maximum possession to 10 grams, as was suggested by some Liberal and Conservative MPs.
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said that while marijuana use must be discouraged, possession of small amounts shouldn't result in a criminal record.
As it stands, the proposed law wouldn't impose criminal sanctions for possession of enough pot to make about 20 joints. However, fines of up to $400 could be imposed for adults, less for youths.
The legislation would increase maximum penalties for the producers of cannabis.
The Senate would review the bill for several weeks after it passes the Commons.
Pubdate: Fri, 13 Feb 2004
Source: London Free Press (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The London Free Press
Contact: letters@lfpress.com
Website: The London Free Press
The government wants the law to pass before the next federal election, expected in the spring, in the hope of muting any criticism.
The bill was reintroduced at third reading, meaning it won't have to be re-examined by a parliamentary committee. That would change if the House of Commons reduces maximum possession to 10 grams, as was suggested by some Liberal and Conservative MPs.
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said that while marijuana use must be discouraged, possession of small amounts shouldn't result in a criminal record.
As it stands, the proposed law wouldn't impose criminal sanctions for possession of enough pot to make about 20 joints. However, fines of up to $400 could be imposed for adults, less for youths.
The legislation would increase maximum penalties for the producers of cannabis.
The Senate would review the bill for several weeks after it passes the Commons.
Pubdate: Fri, 13 Feb 2004
Source: London Free Press (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The London Free Press
Contact: letters@lfpress.com
Website: The London Free Press
