BAKER OK WITH DECRIMINALIZING POT

Justice Minister Michael Baker says he has no problem with the
decriminalization of possession of pot.

"There's clearly a lot of people in this country who have ended up
with criminal records in situations where, frankly, I don't think it's
appropriate," Mr. Baker said Thursday after cabinet.

"It's much like speeding - it's illegal, you shouldn't do it, but
there are lots of things that are illegal, and people shouldn't do,
that shouldn't be crimes."

But the minister doesn't think marijuana should be
legalized.

"I think with legalization, it may send a message to young people that
it's an OK thing to do, it's acceptable. I think obviously the issue
of drug use among young people is a concern for everyone," Mr. Baker
said.

A report by a special parliamentary committee on the non-medicinal use
of drugs released Thursday said that possession of up to 30 grams of
marijuana should not burden someone with a criminal record.

In September, a Senate committee recommended legalizing pot use for
those over age 16.