JOE COMES OUT IN FAVOUR OF POT

QUEBEC CITY - Young people shouldn't be forced to carry lifelong
criminal records if they get caught smoking pot, Tory Leader Joe Clark
said yesterday.

"I believe the least controversial approach is decriminalization
because it's unjust to see someone carry the stigma - to be barred
from studying medicine, law, architecture or other fields where a
criminal record could present an obstacle," Clark said.

He said he wanted to make it clear he was making a distinction between
legalization and decriminalization.

Clark was in Quebec City for a "courtesy visit" with Premier Bernard
Landry, whom he described as "a longtime friend."

"My opinion is not necessarily shared by all members of my party but
it's the sort of approach we will favour," Clark said.

Clark said Canadians should be aware that the Quebec premier poses a
danger to national unity.

"I don't underestimate him at all and I don't think anyone
should."

Landry refused comment on pot decriminalization.

Yesterday marked the 22nd anniversary of Clark's election as prime
minister with an ill-fated minority government.