Fining pot smokers for possession of small amounts is one policy the government will likely consider.
"That doesn't mean decriminalizing or legalizing, but it does mean giving police options, for example, to issue fines in addition to any other sanctions, or as a substitute for other sanctions," MacKay told QMI Agency. "These are things that we are willing to look at in the new year, but there's been no decision taken."
Looks OK. In fact, looks like Justin may be dragging the CPC left on this issue. Not so fast, says Ottawa Citizen columnist Dan Gardner:
Keeping pot possession a crime but adding ticket option = major net-widening. Absurd to call it “softening.” http://t.co/soCU6fA0q1
— Dan Gardner (@dgardner) December 18, 2013
Why net-widening? Many now let off with warning because cop thinks charge is too severe will get a ticket. ie. more punishment, not less.I asked after this, and the following exchange ensued:
— Dan Gardner (@dgardner) December 18, 2013
So, maybe a bad idea. Although on the other hand, as noted above, it looks as through the CPC thinks it has to play on Justin's field. I'd suggest this means that JT's proposals on the issue are resonating a bit among the general populace.
I think it's just that the Cons are running out of prison space and have decided to slow down the Law & Order agenda.
ReplyDeleteHere's a really big downside to this: if you get the ticket, goodbye to the ability to travel to the US.
ReplyDelete