OTTAWA WEIGHS STRICTER POT BILL

OTTAWA - The Liberal government sent cautious signals yesterday that it may
agree to toughen some provisions of its marijuana decriminalization bill.

But Justice Minister Martin Cauchon stood fast, rejecting U.S. claims that
Canada's approach is out of step with the rest of the hemisphere.

The double-barrelled message came as the Liberals moved to fast-track
legislation that would end the threat of jail terms and criminal records
for anyone in possession of 15 grams or less of pot.

"The government is listening and willing to consider amendments to ensure
we get it right," Cauchon told the House of Commons. He did not elaborate,
but senior sources say he is prepared to look at lowering the possession
limit to 10 grams, in the hope of winning over dissident Liberal
backbenchers and provincial justice ministers who have been critical of the
bill.

He is also reportedly willing to consider tougher penalties for repeat
offenders and minimum mandatory prison terms for people involved in
marijuana growing operations.

Cauchon bristled, however, when John Walters delivered a speech in
Washington describing Canada as "the one place in the hemisphere where
things are going the wrong way."

The White House director of drug policy has previously suggested
decriminalization could cause problems at the border.

"He should maybe look in his own backyard," Cauchon retorted.

He noted many U.S. states have eliminated criminal penalties for simple
possession of marijuana.

The word of possible amendments to the bill played to mixed reviews.

Dan McTeague, a fierce critic of the legislation, welcomed the talk of more
stringent sentences for repeat offenders and minimum terms for growers.

"It would go a long way toward making this bill more plausible," he said,
adding he will press for other revisions, including mandatory urine or
blood tests for people suspected of driving under the influence of pot.

Cauchon has said marijuana-impaired drivers can be charged under the same
Criminal Code provisions as drunk drivers. But critics say there is no
current equivalent to the roadside breathalysers used to detect alcohol.

Paul Martin has said he favours decriminalization in principle.

The Canadian Alliance says it's willing to keep an open mind on possible
amendments. But Alliance MP Randy White warned if there aren't "real
changes" he will do all he can to stall the bill in committee.