GOV'T RESURRECTS LEGISLATION TO DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA

OTTAWA -- The effort to reform marijuana laws took a big step forward
yesterday as the government re-introduced legislation decriminalizing
possession for personal use.

Like identical legislation that died with the federal election call,
Bill C-17 would treat possession of small quantities of pot much like
a speeding ticket.

Instead of jail time, the punishment would be a $150 fine for adults
and $100 for minors holding 15 grams or less -- enough to roll about
30 joints.

But anybody caught with more than 15 grams would still face jail time
- -- with a possible six months in prison -- and a maximum fine of $1,000.

The Liberals moved to silence anti-drug critics by retabling a bill to
toughen the rules against drug-impaired driving.

Police would gain the power to force motorists to submit to drug
testing, and refusal to comply would be punishable by the same laws
against drunk driving.

"Possession and consumption of marijuana is illegal and will remain
illegal," Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said.

The Liberals' precarious minority-government position means that, even
if most of their MPs support Bill C-17, they will need help from the
opposition benches to pass it.

The Conservatives appeared likely to oppose the bill, with the party's
justice critic warning it could hurt economic ties with the U.S.