FRESH LIFE FOR POT DECRIMINALIZATION

OTTAWA (CP)-- The government reintroduced a bill yesterday to decriminalize
possession of small quantities of marijuana, but failed to reduce the
maximum threshold from 15 grams. Any changes would have to be proposed by
MPs, said an official in the Prime Minister's Office. The government wants
the law to pass before the next federal election, expected in the spring,
in the hope of muting any criticism.

The bill was reintroduced at Third Reading, meaning it won't have to be
re-examined by a parliamentary committee. That would change if the House of
Commons reduces maximum possession to 10 grams, as was suggested by some MPs.

Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said while marijuana use must be discouraged,
it should not result in a criminal record for possessing small amounts.