PARTY FAVOURS: IGNATIEFF TALKS POT

Ignatieff Talks Toking

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff acknowledged Wednesday that he had
smoked marijuana as a youth.

"I have smoked pot as a young man, yes," Ignatieff said in answer to a
reporter's question at a press conference in a high school library in
Sault Ste. Marie.

And he said that was "one of the reasons why I urge young people not
to repeat the experience."

"It did not ruin my life. I just think there are a lot more important
and interesting things to do with your life, including a glass of wine
after dinner, eh? I mean, let's all relax here," Ignatieff said.

The issue came up because, in a question-and-answer session with high
school students, he had been asked his position on legalizing marijuana.

He told the students he was not in favour of legalizing pot but said
his party's position is that possession of small amounts of marijuana
should not be a criminal offence.

He nonetheless urged the students to steer clear of the drug, saying
there are more productive ways to spend their time and energy.