NEW MARIJUANA LAWS JUST "SHOCKING" TO POLICE

To the editor:

Re: An open letter to the citizens of Ontario from the Ontario Association
of Chiefs of Police.

At a time when the combined efforts of all levels of government seem to be
focused on creating healthier lifestyles, preventing smoking, getting
people off drugs and prolonging life, we are shocked that law enforcement
and the citizens of Ontario have been left in a state of confusion,
uncertainty and danger over the laws relating to the possession of marijuana.

A judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently ruled that simple
possession of marijuana is no longer an offence "known to law." This
decision is being appealed by the federal Department of Justice, however,
in the interim, Ontario courts are refusing to hear charges of possession
of marijuana.

While the federal government has been wrestling with the notion of
decriminalizing the drug, the courts have, in effect, legalized the simple
possession of cannabis in Ontario.

The message created by this court decision is disturbing.

Police have been left with no legislative authority for action as they
strive to fulfill their duties to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario:

*Drinking a beer while driving a motor vehicle is an offence, while smoking
a marijuana cigarette while driving is not!

*A 12-year-old cannot legally obtain a commercially-manufactured cigarette
made of tobacco, but they can possess and smoke marijuana, even within a
school environment!

*While it is contrary to most city bylaws to smoke tobacco in public
places, it is not an offence to smoke marijuana!

Carnage caused by impaired drivers each year includes hundreds of victims
killed and thousands injured. There is no satisfactory process to assist
police to identify drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Evidence clearly indicates that organized crime is heavily involved in
marijuana grow operations in the neighbourhoods of our communities and in
the distribution of homegrown marijuana in Canada and internationally.

Violence in our communities is often a result of these lucrative
operations. Our communities require immediate resolve to this issue.

To ensure the safety of our communities, especially our children, the
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police urges citizens of Ontario to demand
a speedy resolution to this critical public safety issue by contacting the
office of the Prime Minister, the Premier of Ontario and their local
members of parliament.

Chief Thomas Kaye

President

Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

There you have it, the police view on this issue.