TOP COP BLOWS OFF LAX POT LAWS

Decriminalizing pot will endanger Mississauga children and increase crime,
the Region's top cop told City council Wednesday.

Peel Regional Police Chief Noel Catney said costly changes to police
programs and enforcement initiatives would also be needed if Ottawa's
controversial marijuana plan becomes the law of the land.

Asked to appear before council to offer his thoughts on the federal
government's proposed $240 million pot bill, Catney didn't mince words in
strongly denouncing the plan.

He said the perils of pot are numerous.

"I am totally opposed to this; I see nothing positive about it," said
Catney, acknowledging police chiefs across Canada have voiced divergent
opinions on the proposed scheme.

The bill introduced Tuesday in Ottawa will decriminalize the possession of
small amounts of pot, meaning offenders would be subjected to fines -- much
like those doled out for traffic violations -- instead of criminal prosecution.

On the heels of Catney's address, council unanimously passed a motion
strongly opposing the Liberal government's pot plan.

Mayor Hazel McCallion, who believes decriminalization will lead to a sharp
increase in drug use and the number of illegal pot-growing houses across
the city, said the bill on the table is an example of senior levels of
government showing no consideration for the impact on communities.

"Both levels of government have to realize the impact is at the local
level," said McCallion, adding Ottawa should have more important issues on
the front burner. "If this is a priority with the federal government,
they've got their priorities messed up."

Catney, meanwhile, is calling on Ottawa to suspend debate to allow the
issue to be studied further.

"These changes do not reflect a commitment to the safety and education of
our children," he continued. "It will expose them to a road we don't want
them to go down."

Ward 7 Councillor Nando Iannicca said yet another aspect of the proposed
legislation is cause for concern.

Drivers suspected of being impaired by drugs would not have to provide
police officers with a blood sample, even if they were involved in a fatal
collision.