PROTESTERS TARGET MP'S OFFICE

Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes answered questions and took heat
Monday from protesters upset about a proposed law that would see
mandatory minimum sentences for drug traffickers.

About 20 protesters congregated outside the downtown Vernon office of
Mayes, who emerged to tell the protesters that the guidelines would
keep Canadian streets safer.

But the protesters - led by Jack Elliman - expressed concern that the
rules would send peaceful pot smokers to jail. Elliman said mandatory
sentences have failed in the United States and will do more harm than
good.

"If they're actually doing violent crimes then put them in jail," he
said. But as for mandatory sentences, "All it does is it clogs up our
court system with non-violent offenders."

Provisions should be made for peaceful marijuana users, Elliman
argued. "Maybe you're growing a plant for your dying grandmother or
yourself, just to feel better."

But while Elliman and fellow protesters argued that most Canadians
don't support prohibition of marijuana, Mayes said the people of
Canada spoke when they elected the Conservatives.

And he said that the proposed legislation won't put people in jail for
simple possession.

"Ultimately it's going to go before the House and it's going to be
debated and there is going to be a decision made by elected officials."

The proposed laws would require prison sentences of at least six
months for the growing and selling of a single marijuana plant.

Those convicted in the prodution and trafficking of harder drugs, like
cocaine and heroin, would spend at least three years in jail.

NDP candidate Alice Brown attended the protest and told Mayes that
there needs to be more funds available to help drug addicts get off
the street.

But Mayes countered, noting that his government is providing
funding.

"We understand that there needs to be an investment here to enable
them to make better choices."

The entire demonstration was closely watched - and videotaped - by
police, a situation that drew the ire of Elliman, who is facing
charges dating back to a previous protest.

"This is blowing my mind," he said after. "They're filming us from
across the street and zooming in on our faces. What gives them the
right to do that?"

But Insp. Steve McVarnock, who was on the scene, said the filming was
a precaution should anything go awry.

"We were anticipating a peaceful rally but given what has happened at
Polson Park and other events over the past year we wanted to exercise
due diligence so we weren't caught short."