LIBERAL MPS KEEP UP PRESSURE ON BILL

Say Other Issues Have Greater Priority

Backbencher Calls It 'Badly Flawed'

OTTAWA--The government's push to decriminalize simple possession of
marijuana is running into opposition from Liberal backbenchers, with
some openly questioning Prime Minister Jean Chretien's wisdom in
putting the issue on the public agenda.

Others wonder whether the bill can be passed this year, given the
already heavy legislative agenda in the Commons and the Liberal
leadership campaign.

Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough-Agincourt) was the most outspoken
yesterday, suggesting the pot bill is one more reason Chretien should
step down early. "After 10 years of being in power he's forgotten the
dynamics of democracy, the dynamics of listening to the caucus," said
Karygiannis.

He wants Chretien to leave as soon as the federal Liberals choose a
new leader Nov. 15, rather than waiting until next February to hand
over power.

"The sooner the better," said Karygiannis. "Nov. 16, thank you Mr.
Prime Minister for being there, let's have a big bash and let's usher
in a new leader."

No other Liberals would go that far, but a number of backbenchers took
issue with the legislation introduced Tuesday by Justice Minister
Martin Cauchon.

The bill would make possession of up to 15 grams of pot a minor
offence, punishable by fines ranging between $100 and $250 for youths
and $150 to $400 for adults.

"I'm not impressed," said MP Paul Steckle. "It may appear at first
blush to be going in the right direction. But a $100 fine is hardly a
penalty; $100 won't even buy you a ticket to a rock concert today."

MP Dennis Mills (Toronto-Danforth), who has been preoccupied with the
economic impact of SARS on his city's tourist trade, suggested the
government's legislative plate is already full enough.

"I think when we have so many other issues on the front burner right
now ... talking about marijuana is nuts," said Mills. "I'm more
focused on people who are out of work."

Dan McTeague, another Ontario backbencher, complained the bill was
brought in without adequate consultation with caucus. "Bluntly, there
was no input and we're being asked to possibly vote on this by edict,"
said McTeague. "This bill is badly flawed."

Stan Keyes, the national caucus chairman, said he personally has no
problem with the legislation, but acknowledged some colleagues are
miffed they didn't have a bigger say in advance of its tabling. The
government has to do a better job of explaining the benefits of
decriminalization, both to the general public and to caucus, said Keyes.

John Harvard of Winnipeg, chairman of the western Liberal caucus, said
he thinks Cauchon is on the right track, but questioned whether the
bill can be adequately debated and passed by the end of the year, as
the minister has suggested.

Cauchon conceded yesterday that drug-impaired driving laws will also
need an overhaul in light of the new regime.

"We will come up with reform on that side as soon as we can," Cauchon
told the House of Commons. "We want to make sure that we will be able
to develop a test that will be accepted by the courts."