EX-LAWYER IN POSSESSION OF COKE, POT AVOIDS CHARGES

A former Vancouver-based federal justice department lawyer has avoided
criminal charges despite admitting to possession of cocaine and marijuana.

Provincial Crown spokes-man Stan Lowe said yesterday the woman would
be diverted from the legal system via the government's "alternative
measures" program.

"A senior lawyer reviewed the file and the circumstances of the
offender," said Lowe, adding B.C. Corrections was also involved in the
decision to permit the lawyer to participate in the diversion program.

Last September, the woman had her purse searched as she entered a
Pearl Jam concert and was found to be possessing cocaine and pot.

Vancouver police recommended charges be laid. However, it was up to
justice authorities to determine whether those charges would stand.

Given drug charges in Canada are a federal issue and the woman was a
federal justice employee, it was decided that provincial Crown should
deal with the matter to avoid conflict of interest issues.

Lowe said the woman has admitted her wrongdoing and agreed to complete
her diversion program. The program may include counselling, community
work and writing an apology.