MARTIN TO CELLUCCI - 'WE MAKE OUR OWN LAWS'

U.S. threat of border delays won't affect marijuana legislation: PM

Prime Minister Paul Martin is brushing aside warnings from U.S.
Ambassador Paul Cellucci that a border crackdown will result if Canada
decriminalizes marijuana, saying simply that Canada reserves the right
to pass laws as it sees fit.

Asked what he made of Mr. Cellucci's prediction that relaxed marijuana
laws in Canada will worsen the perennial congestion at border
crossings with the U.S., Mr. Martin was unequivocal.

"Firstly, the legislation is before the House of Commons, then the
parliamentary committee will have its discussions on all the various
points, and we'll wait to see the legislation that comes from that.
But Canada will make its own laws, pure and simple," Mr. Martin said.

Business groups have raised the alarm over the possible tie-ups
resulting from more liberal marijuana laws in Canada, saying that even
the current border morass costs Canadian business billions of dollars
annually. It's estimated that $1.2 billion in goods and services
travel across the border each day, making it the world's most
lucrative bi-lateral trading relationship.

The opposition Conservatives, who insist the draft legislation is
deeply flawed, renewed calls to shelve the marijuana bill until trade
disputes with the Bush administration over beef and softwood lumber
exports are ironed out.

"Why are we bringing it forward at a time when we have so many trade
disputes with the United States? ... I want assurances from the
Americans that they're comfortable with (Canada's position). We have
not got that, they're telling us it's going to impact on our trade,
and if it's going to impact on our trade, let's bury this bill," said
Tory justice critic Vic Toews.

The draft legislation calls for fines of $150 for adults -- and $100
for minors -- who are caught in possession of up to 15 grams of
marijuana. The bill also proposes tougher sentences for those who
produce the drug as part of a wider effort to stamp out "grow-ops."
Companion legislation is also aimed at curbing traffickers.

A similar proposal to ease marijuana laws died on the order paper when
Parliament wrapped up prior to last summer's federal election.

On Tuesday, Mr. Cellucci told the National Post's editorial board he
was perplexed by the timing of the new marijuana bill.

"Why, when we're trying to take pressure off the border, would Canada
pass a law that would put pressure on the border?" he said. "If people
think it's easier to get marijuana in Canada, then our people at the
border are going to be on the lookout, and I think they will stop more
vehicles, particularly vehicles driven by young people, whether
they're citizens of Canada or the United States."

A spokesman for Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan, the lead
minister for border matters, said U.S. officials have told the federal
government they remain committed to easing border congestion.
Officials also pointed out that marijuana seizures represent a small
portion of the contraband intercepted at the border.