SirBlazinBowl
New Member
The Liberals' contentious bill to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis will probably be put off until after the federal election next year.
After being stuck in legislative limbo since it was introduced by the Chretien government more than two years ago, the pot bill has finally climbed to the top of the Commons justice committee's agenda. It's the only piece of government business left on the committee's plate, apart from a companion bill dealing with drug-impaired driving that is poised for quick approval by members.
But Ontario member of Parliament Paul Macklin, parliamentary secretary to Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, said instead of pushing ahead with the cannabis bill, the government will probably approach the opposition about moving ahead quickly with other less contentious initiatives, such as recently tabled bills on proceeds of crime and human trafficking, both of which have all-party support in principle.
"We are still committed to ( decriminalization of marijuana ), but it's a question of time, and achieving goals in the period of time that we have," Macklin explained. "We want as much of our agenda through as we can."
He suggested the pot bill, which is opposed by the Conservatives, would probably attract too many witnesses to allow the committee to study and approve it before the election that is expected to be called in January.
Bloc Quebecois justice critic Richard Marceau argued the government should be able to pass the marijuana bill before the election, although he supports passing the proceeds of crime bill first.
Newshawk: SirBlazinBowl - 420Times.com
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2005 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc.
Contact: letters@thegazette.canwest.com
Website: Canada.Com
Author: Cristin Schmitz
After being stuck in legislative limbo since it was introduced by the Chretien government more than two years ago, the pot bill has finally climbed to the top of the Commons justice committee's agenda. It's the only piece of government business left on the committee's plate, apart from a companion bill dealing with drug-impaired driving that is poised for quick approval by members.
But Ontario member of Parliament Paul Macklin, parliamentary secretary to Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, said instead of pushing ahead with the cannabis bill, the government will probably approach the opposition about moving ahead quickly with other less contentious initiatives, such as recently tabled bills on proceeds of crime and human trafficking, both of which have all-party support in principle.
"We are still committed to ( decriminalization of marijuana ), but it's a question of time, and achieving goals in the period of time that we have," Macklin explained. "We want as much of our agenda through as we can."
He suggested the pot bill, which is opposed by the Conservatives, would probably attract too many witnesses to allow the committee to study and approve it before the election that is expected to be called in January.
Bloc Quebecois justice critic Richard Marceau argued the government should be able to pass the marijuana bill before the election, although he supports passing the proceeds of crime bill first.
Newshawk: SirBlazinBowl - 420Times.com
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2005 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc.
Contact: letters@thegazette.canwest.com
Website: Canada.Com
Author: Cristin Schmitz
