LIBERALS LET CONTENTIOUS POT BILL DIE

OTTAWA -- A bill to decriminalize marijuana has gone up in smoke, failing
for the second time in six months and prompting criticism the Martin
government deliberately killed the proposal.

"As we speak, it doesn't look too good," Mario Lague, a spokesman for the
Prime Minister's Office, said as the House of Commons wrapped up its last
voting day before an anticipated election call this month.

Critics contend the Liberals lacked the political will to pass the
controversial legislation proposing to decriminalize possession of less
than 15 grams of pot, making it an offence punishable with a fine rather
than a criminal record.

The bill also called for harsher penalties against marijuana grow operations.

The legislation had been languishing in limbo for two months after the
Conservatives, trying to block passage, introduced amendments.

"They never really intended to go with it," said Conservative MP Randy
White. "If a majority government in this country wants to make a bill go
through, that's a piece of cake."