MINISTER VOWS TO SMOKE OUT STONED DRIVERS

Government Must Develop Test To Catch Drug-Impaired Motorists, Cauchon
Says

OTTAWA -- The federal government wants to develop a test to determine if
motorists are smoking marijuana while behind the wheel, Justice Minister
Martin Cauchon said yesterday.

Mr. Cauchon, under fire for introducing a new bill earlier this week to
decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, is trying to
reassure Canadians that driving while stoned is still considered a serious
crime.

"It is an offence based on the Criminal Code. At this point in time we are
working with police forces from across Canada in order to develop a piece
of equipment to measure that, and to make sure that the court will accept
the new test. As well, I am working in co-operation with my colleagues and
I intend to come forward with some amendments to the legislation pretty soon."

Under the government's new Cannabis Reform Bill, possession of less than 15
grams of marijuana would still be illegal but would net fines issued like
traffic tickets, ranging in penalties from $100 to $400 depending on
aggravating circumstances such as driving. Offenders under 18 years of age
would be charged $100 while adults would be charged $150 for straight
possession.

"Canadians know that the question of drug-impaired driving in Canada is
indeed a serious crime," Mr. Cauchon said.

While driving while impaired by a drug, including prescription pills, is an
offence under the Criminal Code, it is more difficult to prove in court
than drunk driving. Blood tests for those suspected of smoking pot while
driving are not mandatory.

"There's not a valid test in force," Mr. Cauchon said. There have been
cannabis tests for drivers that have been accepted in B.C. courts, he said.
The testing relied on blood testing and "physical behaviour" of the
drivers, he added.

The government's new bill, which would increase jail terms to 14 years for
marijuana producers, has irked police, opposition critics and some Liberal
backbenchers, who are worried it sends the wrong message to young people.

"I hope the legislation introduced yesterday by the Minister of Justice
will not encourage marijuana users to toke and drive," Liberal MP Joe
Fontana told the House of Commons yesterday.

Liberal MP Dan McTeague said Mr. Cauchon must call for mandatory blood
sampling for those suspected of cannabis-impaired driving.

Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Ralph Klein also questioned the bill's logic
yesterday, calling it "ludicrous."

"A 12-year-old can't have a cigarette, he can't have booze. But can a
12-year-old have a marijuana cigarette and be subject to even a lesser fine
than an adult? I think that that situation would be absolutely ludicrous,
so we have some very serious concerns . . . .

"We have some concerns about this law particularly as it affects young
people, because marijuana is a mind-altering drug," he said. "I can attest
to that, it altered my mind. I'll tell you I got so damn paranoid I
wouldn't take it any more."