U.S. VIEWS WELCOME

Ottawa -- Regarding the article on the special committee on non-medical
drug use and Bill C-38, I find it unfortunate that the headline likely left
your readers with the wrong impression (Liberal MP Dismisses U.S. Views On
Pot -- Oct. 21).

In fact, as chairwoman of the committee, I have met with John Ashcroft,
with John Walters and other representatives of the U.S. government. As
well, the committee went to New York state to see how its decriminalization
laws are working, and to Washington to meet with elected representatives,
scientists and advocates concerned with drug issues.

Members of the committee will choose the speakers who appear before it on
this bill. The chairwoman does not make that decision alone. As one member,
my first priority is to hear from interested Canadians on how these changes
to our laws would work and whether amendments are needed to make it most
effective.

As someone keenly interested in this issue, I am open to receiving
information from other jurisdictions, including the United States.