NDP statement on legalization of marijuana

NDP Justice Critic Alistair MacGregor made the following statement today:

"After a year and a half of confusion on the ground we are happy to finally see some movement on this file. However, Canadians are asking what took the Liberals so long and why they claim it will take over a year to pass this legislation. This will be another year of Liberals handing out criminal records for possession to thousands of Canadians.

There have already been tens of thousands of charges and convictions since the Liberals were elected even though they promised swift action on legalization. Canadians don’t understand why the Liberals have refused to immediately decriminalize simple possession, which is the logical first step and would prevent young people from being burdened with criminal records for the rest of their lives.

Justin Trudeau must explain why we’re continuing to arrest people today, for an action which will be legal tomorrow.”