COPPS DIGS LEGALIZATION

CP - Add prospective prime minister Sheila Copps to the list of Canadians
who would like to see the federal government decriminalize simple
possession of marijuana.

With a growing legal clamour for Justice Minister Martin Cauchon to roll
out the long-promised and frequently delayed legislation, Copps said she
"absolutely" backs a change.

"I support it, but I haven't been on record, so I am now," the Liberal
leadership candidate said in an interview.

Provincial courts have thrown federal possession laws into limbo by staying
minor charges in the face of mixed signals coming from the federal government.

Last month, a provincial court judge in Nova Scotia stayed charges against
a woman caught in possession of a small amount of pot. The judge cited
similar stays in Prince Edward Island and Ontario.

Senate and Commons committees have recommended more lenient legislation or
outright legalization. The Commons group proposed in December that
Canadians be allowed to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana without facing
jail time. Fines would supplant a criminal record for such misdemeanours.

Cauchon welcomed the findings and promised legislation by this month,
although he later backed away from the time line. The Justice Department
has also argued that until new legislation is brought in, the existing laws
should be applied without reservation.

Leadership candidate Paul Martin is on the record as saying possession of
small amounts should not lead to a criminal record.