Stephen Harper says legalizing marijuana would put Canadians at risk

Dec 20 2017, 12:47 am

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a statement today regarding his proposed anti-drug policies as part of his continued campaign.

“Most Canadians, if you actually ask them, do not want want the full legalization of marijuana,” said Harper, while in Markham, Ontario.

Harper said that the long-term consequences of marijuana are becoming more evident. He also suggested that marijuana use is declining in Canada as a result of the government’s efforts, and, therefore, laws on cannabis will not be eased.

“Marijuana becomes more readily available to children, more people become addicted to it and the health outcomes become worse,” said Harper.

A poll released in August of last year suggested that two-thirds of Canadians are in support of decriminalization or legalization of marijuana. Conducted by Forum Poll, 66 per cent saw an ease in regulations as favourable, amongst 1,798 Canadians.

As part of his anti-drug strategy, Harper announced a three-point plan he will seek if re-elected:

  1. Funding for RCMP clandestine teams targeting the production of illegal drugs will be increased.
  2. He will be asking the Mental Health Commission of Canada to prioritize research on the links between substance abuse and mental health.
  3. Introduce a national hotline for parents looking for advice and guidance in preventing substance abuse for their children.

Harper visits Vancouver today, and is scheduled for a press conference in Richmond alongside Conservative candidates Wai Young and Alice Wong.

He has also repeatedly spoken against Vancouver’s Insite, a safe injection site, which the Supreme Court of Canada has approved.

He took the time once again on Tuesday to say that the Conservative Party’s views are in treatment programs for addition, and not in strategies that look to manage its decline.

 

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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