TOO RELAXED ON POT BILL

After all that work, the government's bill to decriminalize Canada's
marijuana laws died this week as Parliament adjourned prior to an election.

It's unfortunate. After the country went through an agonizing debate about
personal use of marijuana, government came up with prudent and modest steps
for reform. The bill called for fines rather than a criminal record for
possession of 15 grams or less of pot.

Now we're in limbo. Will police and the courts continue to fritter away
time and effort on these small possession charges when society has
indicated that it is ready for some common-sense reform?

Let's hope the next prime minister picks up the bill and carries it forward.