Justice
Adjournment Proceedings
Adjournment Proceedings
April 21st, 2016 / 6:35 p.m.
NDP
Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed to hear that kind of response from a supposedly progressive government. The fact of the matter is that in my province of British Columbia alone, marijuana is worth $6 billion a year. The current laws are not effective. All of that money is going to criminal organizations and the people who are getting their lives ruined by getting records are people who are innocent. They get caught with possession of small amounts and have to face a charge and sentence that will profoundly impact the rest of their lives.
If I understand the parliamentary secretary correctly, that means we have more than a year of waiting while we continue with needless arrests and wasteful trials. The justice department has confirmed it is going to cost taxpayers as much as $4 million a year. It is not what a progressive government should be doing with marijuana laws.
At least yesterday the Liberal member of Parliament for Beaches—East York had the courage to publicly say that prosecution for marijuana possession is patently unfair in light of the government's future plans on this matter.
I was wondering if the parliamentary secretary could take direction from that member.
@acrosscanada it is @JustinTrudeau's gov't that is in driver's seat with cannabis issue. Hope to see plans soon as we need clear regulations— Alistair MacGregor (@AMacGregor4CML) January 23, 2016
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