SCHOOL BOARD LOBBYS TO KEEP POT ILLEGAL

"We have worked hard to keep drugs out of our schools"

The federal government's plans to decriminalize marijuana has Northern
Gateway School Division concerned.

The board has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin strongly opposing
legalizing pot.

"We have worked hard to get drugs out of our schools," says Superintendent
Eugene Miller. "Lets face it kids often start by smoking marijuana and move
on to heavier drugs."

The school board believes the federal government is sending the 'wrong
message to children.'

"We have a stern non - smoking policy not to mention zero tolerance to
illegal drugs," says Miller.

"I think legalizing pot will create more problems in our schools," added
Trustee Stan Jeffrey. "We don't need it."

The board hopes to their letter will help lobby the federal government to
keep marijuana illegal in Canada.