OPPOSITION SLAMS LIBERALS FOR CONSULTING U.S. ON POT LAW BEFORE PARLIAMENT

OTTAWA (AP) - Prime Minister Jean Chretien launched a campaign Tuesday to
allay U.S. fears about marijuana decriminalization, but he succeeded only
in provoking the wrath of opposition MPs who say he's letting the Bush
administration make his policy.

The New Democrats, Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois all cried foul when
they learned Justice Minister Martin Cauchon was headed for Washington to
brief U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft on the government's plans.

The problem, they said, was that the Americans were getting the inside dope
before legislation reforming the pot law is tabled in Parliament.

"There goes Canadian sovereignty up in smoke," complained NDP Leader Jack

Layton. "Here's the American government advising on what Canadian policy
will be before the House of Commons even has a look at it. It's quite
astounding."

Conservative Leader Joe Clark agreed that Cauchon should have come to
Parliament "before he went trotting off to the White House."

Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe wondered why it was so important to "obtain the
permission of Washington" before taking legislative action.

The Liberals are expected to bring in legislation by next week that would
make possession of 15 grams or less of pot a minor offense, something like
a traffic violation.

Jails terms and criminal records for such offenses would be eliminated and
fines - possibly as little as $100 - would be imposed instead.