HINTON BACKS SMALL FINES FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION

Kamloops MP Betty Hinton favours small fines rather than criminal
records for marijuana possession.

Hinton said Monday she would vote in favour of a private member's
bill from fellow Canadian Alliance MP Keith Martin this week that
would decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot.

"You're not allowed in law school or across the border with a
criminal record," she said. "It would take that out, which is a good
thing."

Hinton originally said she was uncertain what way she would vote on
the issue and got opinion on both sides. She spoke with medical
experts, law enforcement officials and local citizens.

"I heard some police officers with serious concerns. I don't want to
support anything that would damage youth. Marijuana does, so does
tobacco and drinking. You have to look at the big picture."

Hinton said there are strong feelings on both sides of the issue
among Alliance caucus members.

"Some people don't want to support anything that would lead to
legalization. No one in my caucus would support legalization."

The bill would see fines levied for possession of between one and 30
grams of marijuana, starting at $200 for a first offence and
graduating to $1,000 for third-time offenders.

The bill estimates it will save the country $150 million a year in
reduced court and legal costs.

Hinton has also drafted her own private member's bill that will be
put in a lottery for possible debate or voting later this year. It
would stop lawsuits against the federal government from wrongs dating
more than 25 years.

"If we keep dealing with and paying for the past, we can't plan for
the future," argues Hinton. "Things are coming in from 100 years ago
as in the claim from New Brunswick on slavery. We're not going
forward. My concern is for the future."

Hinton said the bill stems from concern about church liabilities from
native residential school claims and from comments made by First
Nations people.

"Because of the issue of liability, they're (government) not allowed
to apologize publicly and heal any rift. There are churches,
including in our area, that face losing everything. I've talked to
native people from across the country who say, "It doesn't help me. I
want some kind of healing circle or access to psychiatrists.' If all
the money goes out (to settlements), there won't be any money for the
masses."