AWARENESS CRITICAL

Abbotsford MP Randy White was pushing his message to the converted last
week as he urged the school board to familiarize themselves with a bill
that would decriminalize marijuana and mobilize parent groups to get involved.

Parliament is set to debate Bill C-17 in February or March.

"The people who don't know about it are the ones who should know about it,
and that's parents," said White.

He urged the school board to inform parent advisory council's about the
proposed bill.

The proposed legislation outlines fines, rather than criminal charges, for
those found possessing up to 30 grams of pot, and youth would be subjected
to a student rate for fines.

"There is a youth discount which, I think, is sending the wrong message,"
said White.

With the Youth Criminal Justice Act, White said, there will be few
consequences for youth found in possession of pot. He also notes many
people believe this bill will legalize marijuana and is afraid youth will
see this bill as a "green light" to use pot.

He also disagrees with the federal government's focus on marijuana, saying
the biggest need is a national drug strategy, which deals with such drugs
as crystal meth and heroin.

School trustees have already sent a letter to the federal government,
raising concerns with bill C-17, and recently passed a comprehensive drug
strategy.