POT PLAN ENDORSED

But National Drug Strategy Crucial, Says Top Cop

OTTAWA -- Canada's top cop is endorsing federal legislation expected
tomorrow to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli emphasized, however, that any
proposed legislation to ease the country's pot laws must be accompanied by
"a comprehensive national drug strategy."

"What we are talking about here is decriminalizing very small amounts if
that's what's in the legislation. We still believe we need the discretion
as police officers, in rare cases, to lay criminal charges against
possessors of very small amounts, said Zaccardelli in an interview on CTV's
Question Period.

"But ... we believe that we don't want to make criminals out of persons who
have very small amounts of marijuana for their own possession."

Under the legislation it will still be against the law to possess
marijuana, even for personal use.

But possession of 15 grams or less will be a minor offence punishable by a
fine.

The financial hurt could range from as little as $100 to around $400,
depending on the amount of weed, whether it's a first offence or repeat
offence, and other aggravating or mitigating factors.

Also to be unveiled is the wider anti-drug strategy, co-ordinated by Health
Minister Anne McLellan, who has warned of a possible upward spike in pot
use once the sentences for possession are eased.

McLellan will try to counter that by outlining federal plans for enhanced
education, research and treatment programs.

Border Delays

The Chretien government had originally planned to table the legislation in
the Commons earlier this month but put it on hold just hours after Justice
Minister Martin Cauchon met with his U.S. counterpart in Washington.

U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci warned earlier that much stricter American
drug laws could result in delays for Canadians crossing the border.

Zaccardelli acknowledged U.S. concerns and said he has had discussions with
American law enforcement officials on the matter.

"This is an issue with them. We have expressed our views to them. But, if
we have a comprehensive package, it will not harm the work that we do and
the relationship with the Americans, in my view."