CANADA: WASHINGTON TO HEAR MARIJUANA PLAN

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is planning to travel to Washington today to
confer with American officials about Canada's plan to decriminalize the
possession of small amounts of marijuana, which has already been criticized
by Bush administration officials. The American ambassador, Paul Cellucci,
has warned that if the marijuana legislation, expected to be introduced in
Parliament this week, is passed, it could slow commerce and transit at the
border.