BACKBENCHERS UNEASY OVER POT BILL

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, a Toronto-area MP, 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," Karygiannis charged.

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."

Dennis Mills, a Toronto MP who has been preoccupied with the economic
impact of SARS on his city's tourist trade, suggested the government's
legislative plate already is 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 he 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.

"We'd like to be there as a support mechanism for our ministers, but how
can we be a support mechanism if we don't know what our ministers are
intending to do?"

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.

"Given the fact that we have a leadership contest in the fall, I don't know
what the state of Parliament will be," said Harvard. "It sounds to me like
that would be a little soon."