THE OTTAWA CONNECTION

Jim Wakeford was back in court yesterday seeking a government-guaranteed
supply of marijuana for him to use to treat his illness.

Wakeford -- who has full-blown AIDS -- was the first awarded an exemption by
the federal government in May 1999 to smoke pot for medicinal purposes.
Since then, about 35 others have received similar exemptions from Ottawa.

The Church St. man has unsuccessfully tried to cultivate his own pot and now
he's asking Justice Blenus Wright for an order to compel Ottawa to see that
a safe supply of the drug is provided.

His lawyer, Alan Young, said he's seeking one of two things from the court.

"Either give caregivers immunity, so the people who assist Jim in
cultivating and selling to him will not be criminalized. Alternatively, the
government should just take the necessary steps to discover a supplier
source for him."

Two of Wakeford's caregivers have already been charged by police, Young
says.

Wright reserved judgment, but promised to get the decision out "within
reasonable time."