PROTEST OF PROPOSED DRUG LAWS PLANNED

A man known as the "Prince of Pot" will reportedly be in Orangeville
Saturday afternoon (July 18), as part of a planned protest against the
federal government's efforts to impose stricter drug sentences.

According to a Facebook group, Marc Emery - a Vancouver man being
extradited to the United States to serve time for selling marijuana
seeds online - will be the guest speaker near town hall from 2 to 6
p.m.

The protest is designed to raise attention to bill C-15, which seeks
to establish mandatory minimum sentences for some drug offences and
implement longer minimum sentences on others.

Attempts to reach organizers for comment were unsuccessful at press
time.

"This is of grave importance to drug users, recreation and otherwise,
and those who do not use drugs at all to attend this protest because
it affects every Canadian," states a message attributed to Kyle on the
Facebook page Protest to End C-15 Welcome Mark Emery to
Orangeville.

The group discussion suggests "July 18 will forever change Orangeville
and the way the public perceives its youth and their involvement. Be a
part of history."

As of Wednesday afternoon, the group had 192 "confirmed guests" and
201 listed themselves as "maybe attending", but its unknown how many
people will actually participate.

Orangeville police say they're aware of the planned protest and there
will be a police presence.