Legalizing marijuana a low priority for Liberals judging by justice minister’s briefing book

Nationalpost.com
Feb. 9, 2016
By Ian Macleod

Don’t hold your breath for the legalization of marijuana to happen any time soon. The 415-page briefing book prepared for Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould has the Liberal campaign pot pledge on page 410.

Obtained under access to information laws, the heavily-redacted briefing lays out priorities for Wilson-Raybould’s first 100 days in office.

Beyond an overview of the 5,000-employee department and her basic ministerial responsibilities, there are mundane background notes on several national and international meetings she is expected to attend, a primer on appointments and vacancies she will need to fill, departmental and financial administration items and talking points (redacted) for a courtesy call with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

Meatier issues start on page 366.

There’s a note explaining how she will be asked to sign a three-year pact with the provinces and territories for the federally-led Aboriginal Justice Strategy, supporting community alternatives to the mainstream justice system.

Then come details about the federal response to the interim report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Marijuana is the last item, contained in a three-page note, one-third of which is redacted.

What remains simply repeats last fall’s campaign pledge to legalize simple possession of recreational marijuana and regulate its sale, and informs Wilson-Raybould of the status of court cases related to home-grown medical marijuana and the responsibilities various other federal departments have for the issue.