LAW SHOULD NEVER GO TO POT, CALDER SAYS

Local MP Murray Calder doesn't want a free ride for pot users, even if
moderate marijuana use is decriminalized.

Calder, MP for Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey and a Holstein chicken farmer,
expects considerable debate on a movement to decriminalize the use of
moderate amounts of marijuana. A recent report by a parliamentary committee
suggested decriminalization of possession of up to 30 grams of pot or about
60 joints.

Calder said he could support removing possession of 30 grams of pot from
the Criminal Code, but added, users should face hefty fines. According to
the MP the concern he has is that by decriminalizing possession of moderate
amounts it leaves the message that pot use is alright.

Supporters of the move argue that by relaxing the laws governing marijuana
use Canadian users won't face a criminal record for what some consider a
minor offence. Those same advocates contend that relaxing the law will free
up police to deal with more serious offences.

"As far as I'm concerned it's not acceptable," Calder said. "I want a fine
attached to it and a damn good one of $5,000 to $10,000." The MP, who said
he has never used pot, said in all likelihood moderate marijuana possession
will be removed from the Criminal Code when the federal politicians debate
the issue later this year.

Waterloo-Wellington MP Lynn Myers has not taken a stand on the issue
because he sits on the justice committee for the House of Commons, which
will deal with the issue within the next several months.

"I have to go in with my eyes open and ears open and listen to all sides of
the debate," he said in a news interview.