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E-122 Cannabis Petition - Royal Commission on Cannabis

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada & Liberal Member of Parliament for 11002 Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island)

Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada & Liberal Member of Parliament for 11002 Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island)



Please consider also writing to MP Sean Casey in your own words asking him to support ending prohibition.

Thanks!




******

On Wed, Nov 18, 2015 at 9:16 AM, <Sean.Casey@parl.gc.ca> wrote:
Dear Mr. Vekemans,



Thank you for your email, dated November 12th, regarding marijuana legalization.



You are correct that this was a campaign issue for the Liberal Party.  Our promise is to take an evidence-based approach to marijuana.  We will take a harm reduction approach to this issue, ensuring legal access for consenting adults while restricting access for young people.

 The Ministers of Justice, Health, and Public Safety have all been tasked with leading a federal-provincial-territorial process that will lead to the effective legalization and regulation of marijuana.  I imagine this will include consultation with various stakeholders, including industry, the health sector, and private citizens.



The initiative of drafting your own bill is fairly impressive.  I appreciate you providing a copy to me, and will note your comments and perspective on the issue.  It raises a number of issues which should be considered by the Ministers such as whether we should declare amnesty for past convictions for the simple possession of marijuana.  I hope these issues are also studied throughout the legislative process.



I appreciate you taking the time to write to me on this important issue; an evidence-based and harm reduction approach to marijuana is the commitment of our government.  I am pleased to see you support that, and I appreciate the information you've provided.



Sincerely,


Sean Casey, M.P.


On Thu, Nov 12, 2015 at 3:19 PM, Sam Vekemans <samvekemans@gmail.com> wrote:

Thursday November 12, 2015
Sean Casey
Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island)
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A 0A6
Re: Removing Cannabis from the Drug Schedule.
Dear Sean Casey,
As you know, the 'legalization of Marijuana' was and is a very important issue for Justin Trudeau & the Liberals to get elected. The question remains on exactly how to go about doing this.
I have taken the liberty of drafting my own independent Bill that I hope Members of Parliament and The Senate will accept & adopt. I have titled and Numbered the Bill, and put it in the format of existing legislation. Attached is a PDF (link) for Bill S-420 'The Cannabis Freedom Act'
An Act to Remove Cannabis from the Drug Schedule.
This legislation clearly outlines 4 things needed to be done.
1. Remove Cannabis from the Drug Schedule II, VII and VIII.
2. Expunge criminal records for those convicted under the CDSA
3. Respect & recognize victims of the failed Drug War by designating a non-statutory holiday on the 20th day of April of each Year 'Cannabis Freedom Day'
4. Designate the responsibility of any regulations (taxations) to the provinces and first Nations.
I look forward to your reply, comments and support for this proposal.

Yours sincerely,
Sam Vekemans
(address) 

http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/ProfileMP.aspx?Key=170396&Language=E
http://openparliament.ca/politicians/sean-casey/
http://seancasey.liberal.ca/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Casey_(Canadian_politician)
https://twitter.com/SeanCaseyMP
https://www.facebook.com/SeanCaseyCharlottetownMP

Sean Casey

Photo - Sean Casey                                 
Political Affiliation:Liberal Caucus
Province / Territory:Prince Edward Island
Email:Sean.Casey@parl.gc.ca
Preferred Language:English
Hill Office House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0A6 Telephone: 613-996-4714 Fax: 613-995-7685 Mail may be sent postage-free to any Member of Parliament.
Constituency Office(s)
  • 75 Fitzroy Street Suite 201 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 1R6 Telephone: 902-566-7770 Fax: 902-566-7780
© House of Commons










******
Conservative MP John Williamson attacks Justin Trudeau's 'pot plan'
Flyer mailed to constituents alleges that Liberal Leader plans to sell marijuana in N.B. stores
Feb 03, 2014 12:36 PM AT
CBC News
"
... .
Liberal justice critic and Charlottetown MP Sean Casey calls the survey "crass fear mongering in politics at its worst" and says Williamson is disingenuous, and misrepresenting the facts.
"Our leader has indicated he supports legalization. That is on the record. But Liberals have always stood for evidence-based policy making," said Casey.
"To suggest that … the leader is going to high schools for the purpose of promoting access to drugs to young people is nothing short of fear-mongering".
Casey says the Liberals support legalization with study, followed by regulations similar to alcohol.
"Legalization implies regulation and control. So to think that it's going to be available on store shelves is extremely far-fetched … We are simply talking about the fact that the war on drugs has been an abject failure, and a more sensible solution is to pursue legalization."
... .
"
http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/#!/content/1.2521095

******
P.E.I. Liberal MPs support Trudeau's pot stance'Finally we have a political leader who's honest, who's open and who's human,' says Liberal MP
Aug 23, 2013 10:10 PM AT
CBC News
"
Charlottetown Liberal MP Sean Casey said Trudeau had no choice but to answer the question, when he was asked.
"Finally we have a political leader who’s honest, who’s open and who’s human," he said.
"What was his choice? What was his option? His option was to not tell the truth. So he was asked a direct question, he gave a direct answer."
"
http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/#!/content/1.1330781


******

Vancouver Sun: Canada’s ominbus crime bill calls for mandatory sentences for marijuana production
POSTED ON JANUARY 3, 2012
By Tobi Cohen, Postmedia NewsDecember 30, 2011
"
Liberal MP Sean Casey said he was left with more questions than answers when the government finally responded to a written question he submitted on costs and statistics related to eliminating conditional sentences.
While the government insists all criminals previously sentenced to house arrest and now subject to incarceration invariably would have their sentences turned into provincial time, Casey said that’s not how the bill is written. Drug traffickers and, for instance, elderly people convicted of historic sexual assaults may be on the hook for federal time.
“For them to say that everyone who gets a conditional sentence was subject to a custodial sentence of less than two years and then say the proposal under the bill is to eliminate the sentencing option for people who are convicted of offences punishable by a maximum term of 14 years is nonsensical,” he said.
The omnibus crime bill is poised to pass in early 2012 and critics, like Liberal MP Irwin Cotler, have argued the new year could be filled with numerous court challenges under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as some of its provisions, he believes, are “constitutionally suspect.”
"
http://seancasey.liberal.ca/communications/vancouver-sun-canadas-ominbus-crime-bill-calls-for-mandatory-sentences-for-marijuana-production/

******
On Dec 21, 2013 9:22 AM, @gmail.com wrote:
December 21, 2013
Member: Sean Casey Constituency: Charlottetown Constituency Office: 75 Fitzroy Street, Suite 201 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 1R6
Telephone: 902-566-7770 Fax: 902-566-7780 Email: Sean.Casey@parl.gc.ca
re: Does Sean Casey support the removal of cannabis as a schedule II controlled substance from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19)?
Dear Sean Casey,
Do you support the simple removal of cannabis as a schedule II controlled substance from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19)?, and let it be treated the same as Lettuce, Tomato, Oregano, Roses, Aloe Vera, Fern or any other common garden herb, flower or house plant?
Do you know the difference between Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis?
I look forward to receiving your responses as it will be made public, so then others wont need to ask you the same question.
Kind regards,
Sam Vekemans (address)
P.S. All 307 Members of Parliament are being asked these same questions.
ref: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-38.8/page-25.html SCHEDULE II (Sections 2, 3, 4 to 7, 10, 29, 55 and 60) 1.Cannabis, its preparations, derivatives and similar synthetic preparations, including ... .
 

The Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette P.C. Re: Removing Cannabis From the Drug Schedule

Please consider also writing to Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette in your own words asking her to support ending prohibition.

Thanks!


******


On Tue, Nov 17, 2015 at 2:12 PM, Hervieux-Payette, Céline <Celine.Hervieux-Payette@sen.parl.gc.ca> wrote:
Dear Mr. Vekemans,

Thanks for your very useful suggestions to legalize marijuana in Canada.  I know that ou leader Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will initiate that legislation in the best possible time.  It might take some time to pass the law because it does not necessary have  a high level of support in some regions of Canada, but in Quebec, it is different.  The general public will be supportive.  I will be forwarding your proposal to the Minister of Justice since it will require some amendments. Thanks you for your initiative.  This, of course, does not mean that I support any form of smoking, it is not a healthy activity, with or without marijuana! I appreciate a good glass of wine instead when I relax...

Yours truly,

The Honourable Celine Hervieux-Payette, c.p.
Senator

From: Sam Vekemans [mailto:samvekemans@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2015 4:04 AM
To: Hervieux-Payette, Céline
Subject: The Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette P.C. Re: Removing Cannabis From the Drug Schedule

Saturday November 14, 2015
The Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette P.C.
Senate of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A4

Re: Removing Cannabis from the Drug Schedule.
Dear The Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette P.C.,
As you know, the 'legalization of Marijuana' was and is a very important issue for Justin Trudeau & the Liberals to get elected. The question remains on exactly how to go about doing this.
I have taken the liberty of drafting my own independent Bill that I hope Members of Parliament and The Senate will accept & adopt. I have titled and Numbered the Bill, and put it in the format of existing legislation. Attached is a PDF (link) for Bill S-420 'The Cannabis Freedom Act'
An Act to Remove Cannabis from the Drug Schedule.
This legislation clearly outlines 6 things needed to be done.
(a)  remove Cannabis from the Drug Schedule II, VII and VIII.
(b)  expunge criminal records for those convicted under the CDSA
(c)  respect & recognize victims of the failed Drug War by designating a non-statutory holiday on the 20th day of April of each Year 'Cannabis Freedom Day'
(d)  designate the responsibility of any regulations (taxations) to the provinces and first Nations.
(e)  Permit personal growing akin to normal municipal regulations for growing garden plants at home; and
(f)  recognize the value of dispensaries working for patients and consumers to keep communities safe, strong, prosperous and healthy.
I look forward to your reply, comments and support for this proposal.

Yours sincerely,
Sam Vekemans
(address)
samvekemans@gmail.com


Inc.
http://www.slideshare.net/samvekemans/bill-s-420-the-cannabis-freedom-act-an-act-to-amend-the-controlled-drugs-and-substances-act

Attached is the latest version of the PDF document, and this is the link to the Google Document where public comment is permitted.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YyXaydeO1Lj2Q-kKgQm9PFrCtWbxxoIUrUa0BsYCuHE


Andy Fillmore Re: Removing Cannabis From the Drug Schedule

Please consider also writing to MP Andy Fillmore in your own words asking him to support ending prohibition.

Thanks!



******

On Sun, Nov 15, 2015 at 10:34 AM, <Andy.Fillmore@parl.gc.ca> wrote:
Thanks for sharing this, Sam. I can see you put a lot of work into it and your suggestions will be duly considered.


Andy


-
Andy Fillmore
Member of Parliament, Halifax
902.456.7796
andyfillmore.ca


________________________________
From: Sam Vekemans <samvekemans@gmail.com>
Sent: November 15, 2015 4:06 AM
To: Fillmore, Andy - M.P.
Subject: Andy Fillmore Re: Removing Cannabis From the Drug Schedule


Sunday November 15, 2015


Andy Fillmore MP
Halifax (NS)
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6


Re: Removing Cannabis from the Drug Schedule.


Dear Andy Fillmore,

As you know, the 'legalization of Marijuana' was and is a very important issue for Justin Trudeau & the Liberals to get elected. The question remains on exactly how to go about doing this.

I have taken the liberty of drafting my own independent Bill that I hope Members of Parliament and The Senate will accept & adopt. I have titled and Numbered the Bill, and put it in the format of existing legislation. Attached is a PDF (and links) for Bill S-420 'The Cannabis Freedom Act'

An Act to Remove Cannabis from the Drug Schedule.
This legislation clearly outlines 6 things needed to be done.
(a)  remove Cannabis from the Drug Schedule II, VII and VIII.
(b)  expunge criminal records for those convicted under the CDSA
(c)  respect & recognize victims of the failed Drug War by designating a non-statutory holiday on the 20th day of April of each Year 'Cannabis Freedom Day'
(d)  designate the responsibility of any regulations (taxations) to the provinces and first Nations.
(e)  Permit personal growing akin to normal municipal regulations for growing garden plants at home; and
(f)  recognize the value of dispensaries working for patients and consumers to keep communities safe, strong, prosperous and healthy.


I look forward to your reply, comments and support for this proposal.


Yours sincerely,

Sam Vekemans
(address)
samvekemans@gmail.com<mailto:samvekemans@gmail.com>


Inc.
http://www.slideshare.net/samvekemans/bill-s-420-the-cannabis-freedom-act-an-act-to-amend-the-controlled-drugs-and-substances-act

Attached is the latest version of the PDF document, and this is the link to the Google Document where public comment is permitted.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YyXaydeO1Lj2Q-kKgQm9PFrCtWbxxoIUrUa0BsYCuHE

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Proposed Bill S-420 'The Cannabis Freedom Act' An Act to Remove Cannabis from the Drug Schedule



This is the proposed legislation, to be presented to all Members of Parliament and all Senators of the Upper House of Parliament.

http://www.slideshare.net/samvekemans/bill-s-420-the-cannabis-freedom-act-an-act-to-amend-the-controlled-drugs-and-substances-act



This is the Google Document that the Act is being edited on.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YyXaydeO1Lj2Q-kKgQm9PFrCtWbxxoIUrUa0BsYCuHE

You can write to the new Minister of Justice, asking her to support this legislation.  (copy the text and fill in your contact details)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B270fsptsPF2a0pra1E1UVFLcnc/view?usp=sharing

It's great that Justin Trudeau got elected and is now the "Right Honourable Justin Trudeau  PC"  He said that he will legalize cannabis, so now the task is to find out exactly WHAT does this mean ....
I have written and spoke to the liberal Party directly in the past, and they refused to answer the question of 'Will the Liberal Party support removal of cannabis from the Drug Schedule?''
As we know that it's the Upper House, (the Senate) who are the ones who actually pass bills, it makes sense to ask the Liberal Senators if they would support this act.  (i made the bill as S-420 rather than C-420 as perhaps a senator will support it).  If there is a Member of Parliament who will support it, then it will be changed to C-420.  
My plan is to approach the various Members of Parliament in the Greater Victoria area (on Vancouver Island, BC) and ask them what their views are about this, and how i can improve it.
If you (the reader) sees any errors in the document, PLEASE contact me (comment on the slideshare, or this blogpost, or on facebook or in the document directly, then it can be edited.
I'm looking for some assistance on the translation into french.  (I use Google Translate, but it's not always right).
Thanks,
Sam Vekemans
Victoria, BC