Canada: Senate to study pot legalization

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Calgary Herald (CN AL)

Wednesday 20 Oct 1999

SENATE TO STUDY POT LEGALIZATION

Senators Agree To Hold Hearings

(Ottawa) - Liberal and Conservative senators have agreed to launch
public hearings into the legalization of marijuana and possibly other
drugs in Canada.

The Senate inquiry, likely to begin early next year, was urged by
Conservative Senator Pierre-Claude Nolin, who says laws against all
drugs and narcotics, even heroin, should come under scrutiny.

Nolin tabled a motion in the Senate during the last session of
Parliament calling for the inquiry.

Although the motion died when Parliament was prorogued for the new
session this fall, senior Liberal and Conservative senators have
informally agreed to Nolin's request.

The hearings will likely be convened by a sub-committee of the Senate
social affairs, with initial research beginning next month.

In an interview, Nolin repeated his view that the law must be reviewed
because of the negative effect criminal sanctions have on thousands of
social drug users, even though health hazards and death rates from
alcohol and tobacco are much higher.

`We need to open our eyes,' Nolin said. `It's our Christian morals
that are all over the place; we have to open our eyes and look at it
scientifically.'

Nolin said he will likely chair the inquiry.

However, some of Nolin's caucus collegues in the House of Commons are
against the controversial idea.

`I'm totally opposed to legalization of marijuana,' said Saint John
Conservative MP Elsie Wayne, the party's deputy leader. `I don't think
we should be looking at marijuana whatsoever.'

Calgary Reform MP Eric Lowther, the party's critic for youth and
family issues, said the inquiry will be a waste of public money.

`I think it's ridiculous use of the Senate's time,' Lowther said.
`There are a lot higher priorities than investigating the legalization
of drugs that have been proven harmful. I think it's a misuse of
parliamentary resources.'

The Canadian Police Association, which passed a resolution this year
promising to `actively' oppose efforts to decriminalize drugs, also
questions the initiative.

`We think the drug problem in this country is still at epidemic
proportions,' said David Griffin, a CPA executive officer.
`Legalization would send the wrong message.'

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