CAUCHON COMMITS TO POT REFORMS

Legislation May Be Introduced By Summer

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon repeated his commitment Thursday to
introduce legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of
marijuana, possibly as early as this summer.

"The criminal law is a blunt tool; it is only effective if it is applied
consistently and if it reflects true social consensus on an issue," Cauchon
said during a luncheon speech in Toronto at the Empire Club of Canada. "I
am troubled by the inconsistent application of the criminal law to the
possession of small amounts of marijuana.

"Your children or grandchildren may not be charged if they are caught in
Toronto, but kids in small towns across Canada are being charged for
exactly the same behaviour. This means that kids are ending up with a
criminal conviction," Cauchon told the business audience. "This can have a
devastating impact on their lives -- from the types of jobs they can get,
to travelling or going to university in other countries, particularly the
United States."

Cauchon did not respond directly to a question about whether Ottawa will be
able to change marijuana laws in the face of strong opposition from the
U.S. government. He suggested Australia's "ticketing regime," which
involves fines for possession of small amounts of marijuana "would be more
efficient for law enforcement" in Canada and free up resources to combat
drug trafficking and organized crime.

Last December, the justice minister pledged to introduce new marijuana
possession legislation by the end of April.

"I never like to give timeframes," Cauchon said after his speech Thursday.
"But honestly, if I would be able to move before the summer recess I would
be pleased. Sooner than that, would be great."

"At one level, his comments are very encouraging," said Toronto lawyer Paul
Burstein, who has been involved in high-profile challenges to the marijuana
possession and medical marijuana laws.

However, Burstein noted Cauchon's comments about the impact of a criminal
conviction for marijuana possession "are completely inconsistent with the
position that his lawyers have taken in a factum filed with the Supreme
Court of Canada."

The Supreme Court was to hear arguments last December to decide if
potential criminal sanctions for marijuana possession violate the Charter
of Rights. The court postponed the hearing because of apparently
conflicting positions put forward by Cauchon and Justice Department
lawyers. A new hearing date of May 6 has been set.