FEDS BLOW SMOKE ON POT: NDPER

Ottawa is sending the wrong message to Canadians by floating the idea of
decriminalizing marijuana, says Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh.

"It's not a direction we've ever prioritized or ever urged the federal
government to do," Mackintosh said.

"It may well send the wrong message but like every other Canadian, we'll
wait to see what proposals they have because it's not clear what direction
the federal government is actually going in."

Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon on Monday hinted he would be in
favour in decriminalizing pot.

He said a parliamentary committee's report, expected to be made public
tomorrow, will affect the kind of law he'll bring down. It's expected the
special committee will support the proposition that growing pot for
personal use not be a crime.

"I would urge this from the federal government -- if they see this as a
priority for change in the laws of the country, that they listen very
carefully to the views of law enforcement agencies as well as others in the
health-care sector," Mackintosh said.

"Those voices are very important to be heard in Ottawa."

The federal government's throne speech in the fall promised changes to drug
laws, including "the possibility of the decriminalization of marijuana
possession."