Jean Chretien calls for decriminalization of marijuana possession
The Canadian Press
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien says it’s time for Canada to decriminalize marijuana possession, saying the change is long overdue.
Chrétien made the comment today after taking part in a ceremony to mark the official opening of a public policy think-tank at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
The former prime minister says it is unacceptable for anyone to be saddled with a criminal record for simply smoking marijuana.
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When Chrétien was prime minister, his government tried in 2003 to pass a law decriminalizing simple possession of small amounts of marijuana, but the bill died when Parliament was prorogued.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged to legalize the sale of marijuana — a more ambitious goal — but his government has said Criminal Code provisions on marijuana must be upheld in the meantime.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair has said the government should decriminalize marijuana right away.
Article source CBC News
