DECRIMINALIZE POT: ALLIANCE MP

Martin Will Address Fort Rouge Tories

Alliance MP Keith Martin is coming to Winnipeg to drum up support for his
bill to decriminalize marijuana and he's found an unlikely host.

The Fort Rouge Progressive Conservative Association is sponsoring a
luncheon at the Masonic Temple, where Martin will promote Bill C-344. The
bill would decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis and is
before Parliament.

The association's president, Norm Elson, said decriminalization of cannabis
is "a big issue," -- especially in the Osborne Village area where many
single people, university students and young businesspeople live.

"I think you would find this would be a strong area for this kind of
support -- we're the Village people," Elson said, adding 600,000 Canadians
have criminal records for marijuana possession. "Certainly a portion of
that is Manitobans. We're not pure here."

Elson said the provincial association has no official position on the
decriminalization of cannabis.

Provincial Tory Leader Stuart Murray also declined to take a stand on
decriminalization yesterday, saying the issue is a federal concern.

"It's not an issue ever brought to my attention," Murray said.

Elson said he expects people will be surprised Conservatives are hosting an
Alliance speaker. But a crossover between provincial Tory and federal
Alliance supporters is not unusual, he said.

In the past, Martin has said decriminalizing cannabis would save money on
enforcement and in the courts. In his bill, Martin suggests fines of $200
for the first offence, $500 for the second and $1,000 for additional offences.

Another 'Evil' In Society

The president of the Manitoba Compassion Club, Geoff Hughes, said he was
surprised Tories are playing a role in the event. The 19-member club
dispenses marijuana -- without government approval -- to people with
serious illnesses.

"I can't believe I'm supporting something the PCs are doing," Hughes joked.

Hughes said Martin's bill should go one step further and make marijuana use
legal.

Sgt. Jeff Bellingham, of the Winnipeg police drug unit, said
decriminalization of marijuana would create another "evil in society."

"We have home invasions, thefts, deterioration in family, school work,
personal relationships -- all results of marijuana," said Bellingham.