POT BILL DYING -- AGAIN

A bill to decriminalize marijuana has failed for the second time in six
months, prompting criticism the 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 during
Parliamentary debate.

The Liberals then moved on to legislation they considered more pressing --
including redrawing electoral boundaries, reforming political donations and
providing AIDS drugs for Africa -- leaving the pot bill to die.