GET OFF THE JUSTICE POT

Just what has Justice Minister Martin Cauchon been smoking lately? Ever
since he admitted being a marijuana user in the past, he's left a trail of
hazy, confusing proposals behind him.

On Monday, Cauchon floated -- again -- the idea of decriminalizing pot. But
he stressed: "Canada has no plans to legalize marijuana."

Then he proposed a national review of the criminal justice system --not a
bad idea, considering new polls show most Canadians think our courts aren't
tough enough on crime.

Sadly, Cauchon seems to be leaning in the opposite direction. As he told
the Canadian Bar Association, he'd like Canadians to consider whether we
lay too many criminal charges, overloading our system with minor crimes.

After that, on Tuesday, he announced an investment of $8.9 million for
youth crime in Ontario -- not for police or victims but for groups that
combat so-called "root causes" of youth crime, ranging from family violence
to hunger. No doubt he will promote similar programs in other provinces,
including Manitoba.

What to make of all this? The justice minister may be new, but his approach
is typically Liberal -- quick to embrace soft "alternative justice" ideas
but queasy about the tough stuff necessary to actual crimefighting. Same
old, same old.

Then there are the tough questions. If pot is decriminalized, as even many
police think it should be, will Cauchon at least give cops the necessary
tools and powers to test motorists to ensure they're not driving while stoned?

Will resources diverted from "minor" crime go into fighting "major" crime?
Doubtful. And if he has money for youth crime prevention -- which is all
well and good -- will he also find money for police and provinces to handle
the onerous responsibilities they face under the awful new Youth Criminal
Justice Act (which replaces the Young Offenders Act next year)?

Among other things, the YCJA fails to treat assault, robbery and sex
assault as serious, violent crimes and will likely result in longer delays
and lighter sentences than the YOA.

If Cauchon is looking to rethink and review our laws, he should start with
that one -- eight years in the making and still a mess.

Otherwise, he's just blowing smoke.