LIBERALS AMONG BILL'S HARSHEST OPPONENTS

One Calls Drug Strategy 'Pitiful, Irresponsible'

The Message From Canada's Youth? Mellow Out, Man

OTTAWA--The Liberal government's plan to decriminalize pot is under
attack from many fronts -- police, anti-drunk driving campaigners,
doctors, political opponents and even its own backbench argue it falls
short.

Liberal MP Dan McTeague unleashed a scathing assessment of his own
party's drug strategy yesterday, using words like "pitiful" and
"irresponsible."

"There are obviously some serious deficiencies with this bill," said
McTeague, who represents the riding of Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge.

He listed many complaints, arguing that lifting criminal sanctions may
lead young people to believe "this is really removal of the stigma of
the product."

"The message (of the legislation) I think sends the wrong message to
young children across this country," he said.

McTeague also argued the bill should have included mandatory blood
sampling of drivers suspected of drug impairment but appears to be
"deliberately deficient" on roadside testing.

He criticized the lack of minimum sentences or mandatory sentencing
for marijuana growers, calling the government's proposals to increase
penalties a "rather pitiful response" to a rapidly increasing problem.

As well, he worried Canada could take a major economic hit if U.S.
concerns about the legislation result in border tie-ups.

"People who lose their livelihoods will be pointing to members of
Parliament like myself, who unlike the Prime Minister will be running
in the next election," said McTeague, who is a staunch supporter of
Paul Martin in the contest to replace Jean Chretien as Liberal leader.

Other Liberals are also voicing concerns.

"They've put the cart before the horse," said MP Brenda Chamberlain
(Guelph-Wellington.) She argues the government must set up extensive
education programs on the dangers of pot smoking and establish
roadside testing for marijuana impairment before contemplating
decriminalization.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants the government to delay passing
the legislation until the law is changed to allow police to
effectively deal with drug-impaired drivers.

"This is a public safety issue," said Marjory Lebretton, national
vice-chair of the group and a Tory senator. "Impaired driving was
given very short shrift. The government is moving forward with this
decriminalization legislation and they are leaving the police at a
disadvantage when attempting to enforce drug-impaired driving."

The Canadian Police Association shares the concern that its officers
won't be able to pull off the road drivers they suspect are impaired
by pot.

"My concern as a parent, as a driver, is what happens when that person
leaves?" said David Griffin, the group's executive officer.

"And, for the police officer, who is going to support that police
officer when that driver goes down the road and kills somebody else
and it's determined that the person was highly impaired by drugs, yet
the officer didn't have the tools to intervene?

"We're concerned that we're sending a message to young people: Don't
drink and drive, toke and drive."

A senior justice department official acknowledged that testing of
drug-impaired drivers is a "difficult issue." He said police are
having some success with using specially trained drug recognition
officers to identify drivers on drugs and added that the federal
government is working with provinces to improve how that evidence can
be introduced in court.

Police cited other concerns with the bill, such as the fact the
penalty doesn't increase for anyone who is repeatedly found to be in
possession of small amounts of marijuana.

In Toronto, Deputy Police Chief Michael Boyd, speaking on behalf of
the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, said he was concerned it
would undercut the ability of police officers to use their discretion
in enforcing drug laws.

"For under 15 grams, it removes the option for police officers to be
able to charge someone where those circumstances are appropriate and
to put them before the courts" to receive drug treatment, Boyd said.

Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino said the drug strategy sends a
mixed message, decriminalizing marijuana use "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."

The message from Canada's youth? Mellow out, man.

"Smoking pot is good," said 15-year-old Selia, a Montreal high school
student who said she's been using marijuana for nearly three years.

Selia and her schoolmate Tesy -- they refused to give their last names
- -- both said their biggest concern about decriminalization is that it
could lead to higher prices and poorer quality pot.