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Canada: More Holland Less Belgium
Conservative leader Stephen Harper may have suggested Canada look at Belgium as a role model for government, but PM Paul Martin seems to have his sights set on Amsterdam. On Monday, Martin and the federal Liberals asked everybody to just chill out over the country’s current marijuana possession laws. Martin’s minority government is attempting to re-introduce the marijuana decriminalization bill, which would make possession of marijuana only a fineable offence. For holding 15 grams or less, adults would receive a fine of $150 and youths a $100, with no criminal record. But don’t get too stoked yet. Justice Minister Irwin Colter would like to first remind you that “[m]arijuana use is and remains illegal.”
The Liberals brought a similar bill before parliament in May 2003, but lost momentum when Martin called the June 28 federal election. Although the decriminalization bill was supported by all parties the first time around, it is expected to face some new opposition in parliament. Mustachioed Torontonian MP Jack Layton and his NDP have supported the proposed bill, while the Conservatives are thought to be against. According to Conservative Manitoba MP Vic Toews, his constituents “would rather be working than smoking drugs.” But that really depends on where you work, doesn’t it?