MPS' ATTEMPT TO STOP POT BILL COWARDLY

Obviously, it's not easy. Canada's Liberal members of Parliament were
elected by their constituents on the basis of a party platform that did not
include same-sex marriage or the decriminalization of marijuana. Neither
proposal was discussed in caucus. Backbench MPs not only did not have the
opportunity to present their own positions; they weren't able to represent
their constituents' views, either. Their departing prime minister, Jean
Chretien, is determined to leave a socially progressive legacy. He has
promised a free vote on same-sex marriage but shows no interest in what his
MPs think of liberalizing marijuana laws.

A number of MPs feel trapped: Break ranks, and they risk their careers
within the party. On the other hand, a failure to openly criticize
legislation that their constituents don't want could jeopardize an MP's
career in a more fundamental way: He or she won't be re-elected.

Unfortunately for all concerned - MPs, their constituents, the Liberal
Party and Canadians in general - it seems that a group of MPs chose another
option. According to reports published in the Globe and Mail, on July 8 in
Ottawa, a group of backbench MPs met privately with U.S. officials at the
American embassy to try to persuade them to work against the federal
government's plan to decriminalize marijuana.

One of the MPs is reported to have told the U.S. drug officials that they
could help stop the bill by pointing out to Canada that there might be
difficulties at the border and with trade if the legislation was passed.
This is cowardice. A Canadian member of Parliament should not be turning to
another country to beg for help in defeating his own party's proposed
legislation.

Such an act undermines our sovereignty and would surely add to any
impression the U.S. might have that it can use its economic power to
influence the course of life in Canada. We are already embroiled in enough
trade disputes with the U.S. without having some of our elected
representatives tell U.S. authorities that they should be alarmed at the
potency of Canadian marijuana and the laxness of Canadian law enforcement.

The quasi-imperial style that Jean Chretien has adopted during his
decade-long tenure as prime minister is in large part responsible for
backbenchers' feeling of impotence and irrelevance. But it's not solely
responsible. If MPs want a greater say in the running of their party, and a
greater voice for their constituents, they are going to have to say so,
publicly. It's the only honourable course to take.