SCHOOL BOARD PONDERS DECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

School District No. 20 votes next week on whether or not to write
parliament in support of Bill C-17 and the decriminalization of
marijuana for students.

"I'm against drugs but I support things like Bill C-17 because we
should not make it miserable for young kids if they make a silly
mistake," said trustee Mickey Kinakin.

In addition, he said criminal records associated with pot have
profound implications on students later in life when it comes to
education and travel.

Abbotsford school board wrote the prime minister earlier in the month
expressing concern that C-17 is not being considered in the best
interest of youth.

But Kinakin encouraged his board to write a letter in opposition to
Abbotsford's stance.

"C-17 does not permit the board from passing policy to stop kids from
doing drugs," Kinakin said, "but what it does do is take away punitive
action against young people making poor decisions that will affect
them for the rest of their lives."

The board will revisit the issue during next Monday's open meeting.
Kinakin said he would vote to support the government in taking this
initiative for students.