Bloc Pot | Légalisation du cannabis

PROGRESS, NOT PRISONS CSSDP National Conference 2012 Hosted by: University of Calgary CSSDP chapter March 2 - 4, 2012 Calgary, Alberta JOIN US at Canada's only national drug policy reform conference! Join students, young people, researchers, social workers, policy makers, activists, academics, curious onlookers, and more for an exciting weekend! The conference will feature panel discussions on pressing topics in drug policy, interactive workshops, student research presentations, chances to hang out with inspiring people, and more.  As Canada continues to increase the role of prisons and punishment in our society, we will come together to ask what 'progress' means for the current Canadian drug policy movement. Click here for more info!

On December 5, 2011 Bill C-10 received third reading and was approved by the Conservative dominated House of Commons in a vote of 157-127.  The omnibus bill now moves to the Senate, where it will face a similar process of study as in the House.

Our fight against mandatory incarceration for drug crimes continues now at the Senate.  We must continue to speak out about the impacts this legislation will have on people across the country.  More people are talking about the problems of Canada's enforcement dominated drug policy, and they are increasingly doing something about it.  Be a part of the growing movement, demand an end to failed strategies and join the call for sensible drug policy!

After debate and discussion on Bill C-10 was given a time restriction by the government, the Justice Committee has concluded its study and report on the 9 pieces of proposed legislation bundled together.  The Conservative-dominated Committee shot down all amendments that would even in the slightest alleviate some of the damage that Bill C-10 will cause.  A total of four changes were made to the entire contents of Bill C-10.  Only one change was made to the section making changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.  A small correction was made to ensure the clause setting out mandatory prison time for growing 'more than five' cannabis plants was clear.  The amended legislation will be sent back to Parliament for a third vote, before being sent to the Senate.

On Tuesday November 1, 2011 CSSDP is appearing before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights to present our concerns with Bill C-10 and the 'tough on drugs' strategy.  Because of the substantial evidence that this legislation will have more negative than positive effects, our main recommednation is that the drugs portion be dropped entirely.  You can read CSSDP's brief to the Committee here: http://www.cssdp.org/includes/CSSDP.Brief.JusticeCommittee2011.pdf

You can support CSSDP in calling for an end to this legislation by making sure your local politicians know you do not support wasteful and damaging drug policy.  Send an email or make a call today!  Use the link below to find your federal Member of Parliament and be heard!  After check out our post with more ideas for action against Bill C-10

Click here for CSSDP's fact sheet on Bill C-10.

Find your federal Member of Parliament here: http://www.parl.gc.ca/ParlInfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx