POLICE CHIEF, MP CONCERNED ABOUT NEW POT LEGISLATION

The federal government's new marijuana bill and drug strategy will prevent
police from using criminal discretion on small amounts of pot and the fines
will not deter cannabis users, says Stratford's police chief.

Legislation introduced Tuesday by federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon
would eliminate criminal penalties for possession of 15 grams of marijuana
or less, with fines set at a maximum of $250 for youths and $400 for adults
caught with up to 15 grams of pot, approximately 15-20 joints.

Police Chief Jerry McEwin believes the government is acknowledging that
drugs are still dangerous, but the changes hurt police, he said, by
removing some of their discretion.

"The penalties for drug offences need to be meaningful and have appropriate
graduating consequences," he said. "Police must also have discretion (to
lay criminal charges) in amounts up to 15 grams. It must be contained."

Chief McEwin said constantly issuing tickets and fines to repeat offenders
will not deter them, and may also increase marijuana usage among youths.

"Police are telling youths that you have to stay drug-free, and that
includes cannabis," Chief McEwin said. "It's harmful, no doubt in my mind,
so if people know that it's just a fine, then couldn't that promote (pot)?
I think so."

Perth-Middlesex MP Gary Schellenberger took a pragmatic approach to the debate.

"I have to look after the safety and protection of my constituents," he
said. "I intend to listen to the debate and understand the best I can." Mr.
Schellenberger said he has heard constituents both support and disagree
with the bill, but is worried that if passed, it may lead to total
legalization.

"Is this the first step to legalization?" he asked. "If so, I have real
problems with that."

When the bill is voted on in the House, Mr. Schellenberger and his fellow
Tory MPs will have a free vote, meaning they can vote with their
constituents and their conscience, and not along party lines.

"I'd probably be leaning towards not supporting the bill," Mr.
Schellenberger said.

Lawyers across the country have generally welcomed the new bill, citing a
backlog of court cases on small marijuana possession charges.

Bob Rogerson, the local federal Crown attorney for narcotics, could not be
reached for comment.

The new law will see tougher penalties for those possessing large amounts
of marijuana on school grounds or while driving, but Chief McEwin said the
overall looseness of the law will actually promote smoking pot and driving.

"I can see people getting behind the wheel and driving with a drug," he
said. "As an officer, how do we detect that? There is no technology to
detect cannabis use by drivers."

With so many questions being asked, the law has to be reworked, Chief
McEwin said.

"The laws are working now," he said. "Drugs are illegal and harmful. Why
are we making them more accessible without deterrence?"