POLICE CHIEF TO GIVE POT A SOBER SECOND THOUGHT

Ottawa Police Chief Vern White Takes His Seat in the Senate February
20. Cites His Work With Addiction Treatment As His Proudest Achievement
As Police Chief

As a senator, Vern White will be called on to give weighty questions a
sober second thought - something he already does in Ottawa as chief of police.

White will consider Bill C-10, the omnibus crime bill, which he
supports in his current role.

"I can't speak to it as a future Senator because it would put me in a
conflict right now," he said, adding he will be willing to speak up on
the bill once he is sworn in.

The bill includes tougher penalties for growing and possessing
marijuana. White said Canadians should discuss decriminalization, but
with caution. Too often the discussion is oversimplified, he said. For
example, he's often asked whether a teen should get a criminal record
for smoking a joint.

"You can say it, but it doesn't really happen," said White. "If a
15-year-old is getting charged and convicted to marijuana, it's not a
joint. Either he's been trafficking in it or it's secondary to another
crime, like an assault."

The effects of marijuana on mental health should be part of the
discourse, as should Canada's relationship with the United States, he said.

"A large amount of marijuana that's produced in this country ends up
in the United States. What impact would that have on our relationship
with the United States?" he said.

Even if Canada decriminalized marijuana, that wouldn't impact
organized crime trafficking it to the U.S., he added.

White said he is also keen to discuss national security, aboriginal
affairs and mental-health issues when he becomes a senator.