STRONACH AGAINST DECRIMINALIZED MARIJUANA

Liberalizing Use Would Lead To Delays At U.S. Border, Says Political Neophyte

VANCOUVER -- Conservative leadership candidate Belinda Stronach warned
yesterday of the economic threat posed by proposals to decriminalize marijuana.

The 37-year-old businesswoman told an offbeat Vancouver radio show that
liberalizing marijuana use would lead to increased searches and delays in
the flow of goods at the U.S. border.

"I think it's a bigger issue than we're willing to admit if we were to
decriminalize marijuana," she told JACK-FM on the popular morning Larry and
Willy show.

"If we were to decriminalize marijuana, I think our great neighbour to the
south would have a lot of problems with that, and I think it would very
much affect the Canadian economy."

Ms. Stronach said more than $500 billion worth of goods are shipped between
the two countries annually.

The political neophyte spent about 15 minutes talking to the wacky hosts,
whose station is the most listened to in the morning time slot in the
Vancouver area.

Ms. Stronach appeared slightly nervous when she walked into the tiny studio
crowded with reporters and photographers.

The hosts themselves conceded on air afterward that they were also taken
aback by the attention, saying they had never seen that much media in their
studio during their 18 years as a team.

The former chief executive officer of auto parts giant Magna International
joked about the influence of her father, who built the company.

"He always said, 'Belinda, I can never tell you what to do. I can only
trick you into doing it'."

She took several questions from one of the hosts and listeners, one of whom
asked how much weight she could bench press and her current marital status.
"She's pretty hot, and I'm wondering if she's married," asked another caller.

Ms. Stronach joked she wouldn't be lining up any dates over the phone right
now.

On a more serious note, she outlined her main reason for seeking the
leadership of the party. "Canadians are hungry, are thirsty for a change,"
she said. "I may lack the political experience, (but) I also lack the
political baggage."

She was asked the inevitable marijuana question now facing all politicians:
Did she smoke it and did she inhale?

"Yeah, I grew up in a regular, you know, environment, went to high school."

"You inhaled?" asked Willy.

"I don't really remember," said Ms. Stronach, appearing uncomfortable.