GOVERNMENT OF CANADA REINSTATES LEGISLATION
TO MODERNIZE MARIJUANA LAWS

OTTAWA, February 12, 2004 - The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, today announced the reinstatement of proposed legislation in the House of Commons that would provide alternative penalties and procedures for possession of small amounts of cannabis and impose tougher punishment on large-scale growing operations.

"We strongly believe, much like a majority of Canadians, that while marijuana use must be discouraged - and remains illegal - it should not result in a criminal record for possession when small amounts are involved," said Minister Cotler. "We'll also be tougher on large-scale grow-ops, while ensuring a more even and effective application of our possession laws."

The proposed reforms respond to two parliamentary committees that conducted extensive public hearings and research on Canada's drug laws and concluded - in terms of marijuana - that changes are required to the existing legal regime. There is also broad public consensus that persons who possess small amounts of marijuana, while warranting punishment, should not be labelled as criminals.

An online version of the proposed legislation, including recommendations from the Special Committee on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs, is available at www.parl.gc.ca..

As part of the renewed Drug Strategy, the Government of Canada will launch a public education campaign aimed at discouraging the use of marijuana and other illicit substances. Combining cannabis reform with this public education campaign will reinforce the message that marijuana is illegal and harmful to one's health.

To learn more about Canada's renewed Drug Strategy, visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/releases/2003/2003_34bk1.htm

- 30 -

Ref.: