The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources & Liberal Member of Parliament for 46014 Winnipeg South Centre (Manitoba)

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources & Liberal Member of Parliament for 46014 Winnipeg South Centre (Manitoba)

“I am supportive.”
2015 election
http://norml.ca/election/

"
14. Would you support legalizing a small amount of marijuana? And have you ever used it?

Yes, I do support the legalization of a small amount, and yes, I have tried it but not for a long time.
"
Jim Carr, Liberal — Winnipeg South Centre
'I want to be a strong voice for the people of Winnipeg South Centre in Parliament'
By Brittany Hobson, for CBC News Posted: Oct 06, 2015 9:58 AM CT Last Updated: Oct 06, 2015 9:58 AM CT
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/election-manitoba-winnipeg-south-centre-jim-carr-1.3256750

Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35114 Whitby (Ontario)

Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35114 Whitby (Ontario)

***

Hello NORML Canada Team,

I apologize for delay in responding. This email must have been missed.

Three or four years ago, this issue would not have been as pressing to me as it is now. I have a 16 year old daughter who is very active politically in her school and reminds me of the ease at which she can get marijuana (and many other drugs) at her high school. While we try to protect our children, it is impossible to do so without help from our social/justice system.

I am in favour of the legalization of marijuana. This legislation has worked in other districts, and is a better way of keeping the drug out of the hands of children and profit away from criminals.

Regards,

Celina

http://norml.ca/election/

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould PC, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada & Liberal Member of Parliament for 59036 Vancouver Granville (BC)

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould PC, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada & Liberal Member of Parliament for 59036 Vancouver Granville (BC)



2016-06-07 11:43 GMT-07:00 Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Mailout <Ministerial.CorrespondenceUnit-Mailout@justice.gc.ca>:

Dear Mr. Vekemans:

Thank you for your correspondence concerning marijuana. The Office of the Prime Minister and the offices of several of my colleagues have also forwarded to me a copy of your correspondence on this issue. I regret the lengthy delay in responding.

It may interest you to know that our government will introduce legislation in the spring of 2017 in support of our commitment to legalize marijuana.

It is important to note that, currently, the existing laws concerning marijuana remain in force. The possession, production, and trafficking of marijuana are some of the activities that are prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and are subject to law enforcement intervention, except where authorized by exemptions or regulations, such as the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations.

I am working with my colleagues the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, and my parliamentary secretary, Mr. Bill Blair, on the launch of a task force that will provide expert advice on how the legalization process should take place, including the strict regulation of and restriction of access to marijuana. The task force will include perspectives from many different sectors, including health, justice, law enforcement, and public safety.

Our objective is to ensure that marijuana is kept out of the hands of children and the profits out of the hands of criminals. Please be assured that the protection of Canadians is a priority for us as we work on this issue.

Thank you again for writing.

Respectfully,

The Honourable Jody Wilson‑Raybould, P.C., Q.C., M.P.

Monsieur,

Je vous remercie de votre correspondance concernant la marijuana. Le Cabinet du Premier ministre et les bureaux de plusieurs de mes collègues m’ont également fait parvenir une copie de votre correspondance sur cette question. Je regrette le délai de cette réponse.

Vous serez peut‑être intéressé d'apprendre que notre gouvernement déposera un projet de loi au printemps 2017 pour honorer notre engagement à légaliser la marijuana.

Il importe de noter qu'actuellement, les dispositions existantes relatives à la marijuana demeurent en vigueur. Ainsi, la possession, la production et le trafic de la marijuana figurent parmi les activités qui sont interdites par la Loi réglementant certaines drogues et autres substances et qui sont susceptibles de faire l'objet d'interventions policières, sauf lorsqu'elles sont autorisées par des exceptions ou par les règlements applicables, tels que le Règlement sur l'accès à la marihuana à des fins médicales.

Je travaille en collaboration avec mes collègues, l'honorable Ralph Goodale, ministre de la Sécurité publique et de la Protection civile, l'honorable Jane Philpott, ministre de la Santé, et mon secrétaire parlementaire, M. Bill Blair, à la mise sur pied d'un groupe de travail qui fournira des conseils d'experts à l'égard de la façon dont le processus de légalisation devrait se dérouler, y compris la stricte réglementation de la marijuana et la restriction de l'accès à cette substance. Le groupe de travail réunira les points de vue de plusieurs secteurs différents, notamment la santé, la justice, l'application de la loi et la sécurité publique.

Notre objectif est de faire en sorte que la marijuana demeure hors de la portée des enfants et que les profits ne tombent pas entre les mains des criminels. Soyez assuré que, dans le cadre de notre travail sur cette question, nous accorderons la priorité à la protection des Canadiens et des Canadiennes.

Je vous remercie d'avoir pris le temps de m'écrire et vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs.

L'honorable Jody Wilson‑Raybould, c.p., c.r., députée

Francesco Sorbara, Liberal Member of Parliament for Vaughan—Woodbridge (Ontario)

Francesco Sorbara, Liberal Member of Parliament for Vaughan—Woodbridge (Ontario)


***
Fellow former Toronto police chief Bill Blair, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and many others have talked of legalization in one form or another, but coffee shops?

“I say it because that is my opponent’s position,” Fantino said of Liberal Francesco Sorbara. “I see legalizing it or putting it in shops as trying to normalize narcotics, when the truth is there is nothing normal about it. It’s a mind-altering drug that causes impairments and like cigarettes is not healthy.”

Looking at past Facebook posts, I did find where Fantino would get the idea Sorbara supports pot in coffee shops.

“This is the right policy. To follow set up coffee shops and get the proceeds away from the drug gangs,” Sorbara posted in 2011.

I contacted Sorbara for clarification on his ideas. His campaign responded with an e-mail that didn’t mention coffee shops but did criticize the Conservatives’ approach.

“Under the current system, Canada has the highest teen usage of marijuana amongst developed countries,” the e-mail says.

“The Liberal solution is clear: If we pass smart laws that tax and strictly regulate marijuana, we can better protect our kids, while preventing millions of dollars from going into the pockets of criminal elements.”
Legal pot would be boon for organized crime: Fantino

 joe-warmington BY JOE WARMINGTON, TORONTO SUN
FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 06:29 PM EDT | UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 07:34 PM EDT
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/16/legal-pot-would-be-boon-for-organized-crime-fantino

Julie Dabrusin, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35109 Toronto—Danforth (Ontario)

Julie Dabrusin, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35109 Toronto—Danforth (Ontario)



"A federal perspective Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin said when it comes to marijuana there are several issues at hand and said the sale of marijuana for recreational uses remains illegal. She also said there are “very strict rules” in place for the sale and use of medical marijuana. “There really should not be a grey zone,” she said. Dabrusin said anyone with concerns about marijuana dispensaries should contact police or their municipal representative. “I can’t comment on stores specifically (on Danforth),” she said, adding she’s always happy to hear what people are thinking and saying about this topic. “This is one of those issues that has divided jurisdictions.” "
Apr 27, 2016
‘Wild west’ of weed shops springing up along Danforth Avenue
Beach Mirror
By Joanna Lavoie
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6516170--wild-west-of-weed-shops-springing-up-along-danforth-avenue/

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35106 Thunder Bay-Superior North (Ontario)

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35106 Thunder Bay-Superior North (Ontario)



****
Hello:
The Liberal Party is committing to the legalization of marijuana. Further, as the author of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy, I understand that the legalization of cannabis is the evidence-based way to reduce access by underage youth, decrease the criminalization of people who use substances, and ensure that marijuana consumed by Canadians is quality tested. Legalization can also generate revenue through taxation and save money on incarceration for substance use and trafficking related infractions.

I am firmly in support of cannabis legalization and in fact feel that better education of the Canadian public is required to help voters understand the flaws with the NDP stance of decriminalization, the largest being the supply remaining with the black market.

Patty Hajdu
Liberal Candidate, Thunder Bay Superior North riding

2015 elections
http://norml.ca/election/

Paul Lefebvre, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35103 Sudbury (Ontario)

Paul Lefebvre, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35103 Sudbury (Ontario)


***
Thank you for your question.
Liberals believe that legalization—not simply decriminalization—is the best way to keep marijuana out of the hands of children, prevent the proceeds from funding criminal activities, and reduce the negative health impacts.

As you know, the Conservatives’ approach to marijuana is failing our children. As we know from the World Health Organization, Canada has the highest teen usage of marijuana amongst the countries surveyed.

The system is clearly broken. The Liberal solution is clear: If we pass smart laws that tax and strictly regulate marijuana, we can better protect our children, while preventing millions of dollars from going into the pockets of criminal organizations and street gangs.

Thanks again for this opportunity!

Paul Lefebvre

Federal Liberal Candidate for Sudbury

2015 election
http://norml.ca/election/

Bill Blair, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35098 Scarborough Southwest (Ontario)

Bill Blair, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35098 Scarborough Southwest (Ontario)


"TORONTO – Former Toronto police chief Bill Blair says he supports the legalization of marijuana in Canada as long as there is a strong regulatory component to it."
April 30, 2015 5:24 am
By David Shum, Web Producer  Global News
'Bill Blair backs legalization of marijuana, defends carding as he seeks Liberal seat'
http://globalnews.ca/news/1970766/bill-blair-backs-legalization-of-marijuana-defends-carding-as-he-seeks-liberal-seat/

Terry Sheehan, Liberal Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario)

Terry Sheehan, Liberal Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario)

"
He also said he plans to vote in favour of Liberal legislation to implement middle class tax relief, and plans to live up to his pledge to lobby for highway improvement on behalf of the community.
"
Sheehan wins in Sault
Sarah Petz
Monday, November 2, 2015 2:22:14 EST PM
http://www.saultstar.com/2015/10/19/sheehan-wins-in-sault---more-to-come

Chris Bittle, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35089 St. Catharines (Ontario)

Chris Bittle, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35089 St. Catharines (Ontario)

@acrosscanada we were the only party to run on legalization. Stay tuned. We're going to do this right, not quickly and haphazardly.

— Chris Bittle (@Chris_Bittle) July 2, 2016

****
Hi,
Our position on legislation and regulations of marijuana is clear and I stand by the party’s position. Sorry. That sent before I was finished my email.

I’ll attach an article that ran my comments on the subject http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2015/08/13/niagara-candidates-talk-pot

The current prohibition on marijuana has not worked. Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco and has medicinal applications. As we’ve seen from Colorado, legalization and regulation is an evidenced based policy that works.

Chris
2015 election
http://norml.ca/election/

Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35085 Pickering—Uxbridge (Ontario)

Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35085 Pickering—Uxbridge (Ontario)

****
“Hello,
As a Liberal candidate in the upcoming Federal election, I share the Liberal party’s position on the need for legalizing marijuana. We believe that legalization—not simply decriminalization—is the best way to keep marijuana out of the hands of children, prevent the proceeds from funding criminal activities, and reduce the negative health impacts.

The Conservatives’ approach to marijuana is failing our children. As we know from a recent World Health Organization report, Canada has the highest teen usage of marijuana amongst the countries surveyed. The system is clearly broken. The Liberal solution is clear: If we pass smart laws that tax and strictly regulate marijuana, we can better protect our children, while preventing millions of dollars from going into the pockets of criminal organizations and street gangs.

Thank you and please let me know if you have further questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer “

2015 election
http://norml.ca/election/

The Honourable Maryam Monsef PC, Minister of Democratic Institutions & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35084 Peterborough—Kawartha (Ontario)

The Honourable Maryam Monsef PC, Minister of Democratic Institutions & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35084 Peterborough—Kawartha (Ontario)


"
Local Liberal candidate Maryam Monsef says alcohol and tobacco are examples of how specific regulations can protect our youths and generate tax revenue while taking proceeds away from criminal organizations.

“The reality is that Mr. Harper and his Conservative approach to marijuana is failing our children,” she says, noting that a recent World Health Association  report stated that Canada teens are the highest marijuana users among the countries surveyed.

“If we pass smart laws that tax and strictly regulate marijuana we can better protect our kids while preventing millions  of dollars from going into the pockets of criminal organizations,” she says.
"
What are the consequences if marijuana is legalized?
Fri., Oct 02, 2015 | By Todd Vandonk
http://m.mykawartha.com/news-story/5940728-what-are-the-consequences-if-marijuana-is-legalized-

Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35081 Parkdale—High Park (Ontario)

Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35081 Parkdale—High Park (Ontario)


***
“The Liberal Party of Canada supports the legalization of Marijuana”
2015 election
http://norml.ca/election/

Andrew Leslie, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35076 Orléans (Ontario)

Andrew Leslie, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35076 Orléans (Ontario)


***
Marijuana debate

One part of the election that gained attention was Trudeau's promise to legalize marijuana.

"The whole idea behind is to ensure access to marijuana is regulated," said Leslie. "Properly controlled, properly administered, and to make it as safe as possible for recreation consumption."

Although we don’t know when or how it will happen, as Leslie said it is probably many years away, the main point is to "keep the dollars out of the criminals hands."
Leslie settles in as MP
Kelly SniderPublished on October 30, 2015
http://www.orleansstar.ca/News/Local/2015-10-30/article-4327238/Leslie-settles-in-as-MP/1

The Honourable Catherine Mary McKenna PC, Minister of Environment and Climate Change & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35075 Ottawa Centre (Ontario)

The Honourable Catherine Mary McKenna PC, Minister of Environment and Climate Change & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35075 Ottawa Centre (Ontario)


***
“Hello,
In response to your email query as to whether Ms. McKenna supports or opposes marijuana legalization, I am writing to let you know that Ms. McKenna supports the legalization of marijuana.

Kind regards,

– Team Catherine”
2015 election
http://norml.ca/election/

Pam Damoff, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35073 Oakville North—Burlington (Ontario)

Pam Damoff, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35073 Oakville North—Burlington (Ontario)

"
A Liberal government led by @JustinTrudeau will legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana http://bit.ly/1PkLX3g  #elxn42 #cdnpoli
"
7:42 PM - 15 Oct 2015
https://twitter.com/pamdamoff/status/654849923259760640

John Oliver, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35072 Oakville (Ontario)

John Oliver, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35072 Oakville (Ontario)


"
It's still up for debate, but if we were to look at this, I think it would also be important to look at what regulation does to improve things and to reduce the risk to children. Regulation allows licensed manufacturing. It allows potency to be identified on labels, much like production of alcohol, so that you understand what you are absorbing. It's released through controlled environments, rather than the black market and the uncertainty of that. I think the regulation aspects of how it's prepared, licensed, and regulated may mitigate the risks of children being exposed to it.

I think we could probably all quickly agree that children using marijuana is completely unacceptable and that there are health risks. There are a lot of studies that show the long-term consequences of underage young Canadians using marijuana, so how do you better restrict access? I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think the WHO study—the World Health Organization—said that right now Canadian teens are the highest or second-highest users of marijuana globally. How do we reduce access, or limit access, or have zero access to marijuana, while at the same time regulating the production of it and licensing its release?
February 17th, 2016 / 4:35 p.m.
Liberal
John Oliver Oakville, ON
https://openparliament.ca/committees/health/42-1/2/john-oliver-8/

Vance Badawey, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35066 Niagara Centre (Ontario)

Vance Badawey, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35066 Niagara Centre (Ontario)

"

Badawey represents the polar opposite of that stance, leaning toward full legalization of recreational use with stiff regulations like those for tobacco or alcohol. He said the current regime of prohibition eats up resources while failing to curb drug use in youth.

He said often individuals try to skirt the divisive issue.

“People somewhat walk on egg shells,” he said, explaining regulation would keep the drug out of the hands of youth while freeing up legal resources.

“Regulating its use will prevent it from getting into the hands of underage citizens,” he said, noting legalization would also deal a blow to criminal elements that capitalize on the trade of the drug.

"

Sep 30, 2015

Niagara Centre candidates talk pot

Niagara This Week - Welland

By Steve Henschel 

http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news-story/5938277-niagara-centre-candidates-talk-pot/

Kyle Peterson, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35065 Newmarket—Aurora (Ontario)

Kyle Peterson, Liberal Member of Parliament for 35065 Newmarket—Aurora (Ontario)



"
Sam Vekemans ‏@acrosscanada  20m20 minutes ago
Kyle Peterson @kylejpeterson has not made a statement on cannabis (marijuana) policy yet.  Please encourage him todo so.  #cdnpoli

"
@acrosscanada Yes I have. Many times. I am supportive of our party position. Thanks.
"
5:43 PM - 6 Feb 2016
https://twitter.com/kylejpeterson/status/696147237446021120

The Honourable Navdeep Bains PC, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35062 Mississauga—Malton (Ontario)

The Honourable Navdeep Bains PC, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development & Liberal Member of Parliament for 35062 Mississauga—Malton (Ontario)


****
Hi,
Thank you very much for reaching out to us about our stance on the current marijuana debate. As you know it is a very divisive issue in our country. Mr. Bains cannot provide a response to be featured on your website or tweeter feed at this moment but he can tell you that he supports the position of the Liberal Party of Canada.

For more information on the position of the Liberal Party of Canada please review the following link:

http://www.liberal.ca/mp-adam-vaughan-on-why-prohibition-has-failed/

Thank you very much reaching out.

Sincerely

Anton
2015 election
http://norml.ca/election/