DECRIMINALIZING POT MAY CLOG BORDER

TORONTO --The American ambassador to Canada warned Tuesday the federal
plan to decriminalize marijuana would exacerbate already dire
congestion problems at the U.S. border.

Paul Cellucci said the bill, if implemented, would leave the
impression pot is easier to obtain in Canada, which would put U.S.
customs officers on high alert for smugglers.

The increased inspection and questioning of some people entering the
U.S. would slow up crossing points bogged down even now with security
related screening, he said during a meeting with the National Post's
editorial board.

"Why, when we're trying to take pressure off the border, would Canada
pass a law that would put pressure on the border?" he asked.

"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."

Cellucci earlier noted that roads and other infrastructure around the
busy Ontario crossings at Windsor and Niagara Falls must be upgraded
to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Current projections would call for such work to be complete by 2013.
"We'll be at gridlock long before then," he said.

But the ambassador otherwise painted a positive picture of relations
between the two countries. Differences over social issues such as
same-sex marriage, and the desire of many Canadians that President
George Bush be defeated in last week's election will not undermine the
solid ties, he said.

"Canada is a little more liberal than the United States. The United
States is a little more conservative," he said.

Justice Minister Irwin Cotler re-introduced legislation last week that
would both make it possible to prosecute minor possession of marijuana
as a non-criminal offence, while at the same time stiffening
punishment for running grow operations.

Federal officials noted that some American states have already
decriminalized simple marijuana possession, a fact acknowledged by
Cellucci.

"We're following the lead of some of the American states," said
Marlene Jennings, the Liberals' parliamentary secretary on Canada-U.S.
relations.

"Law enforcement is very supportive of this. They have taken the
position that a lot of resources are spent on charging and prosecuting
people in possession of small amounts, when those resources would be
better used going after grow ops or going after dealers."

The Canadian law had been discussed in detail with U.S. Attorney
General John Ashcroft until he announced his resignation Tuesday, and
Tom Ridge, chief of homeland security, said Mylene Dupere, a
spokesperson for Cotler.

"Both expressed a full understanding of the law," she said.