Trudeau reply

From: Trudeau, Justin - Député
Sent: November 12, 2013 9:10 AM
To: Kimberly May
Subject: Re: Your Letter

 

Dear Kimberly,

 

Thank you for taking the time to write me, and for sharing your comments regarding the legalization of marijuana. It is important that we continue the exchange of ideas and opinions to facilitate an open dialogue on issues that have a variety of social and economic implications to all Canadians.

 

I support the legalization of marijuana for a multitude of reasons. The Conservative government has been waging a war on drugs that is not working. Instead of keeping it out of the hands of our kids, it is tying up billions of taxpayers’ dollars and targeting the wrong people. Under the current system, we are seeing criminal organizations profiting from illegal drug dealings, and low-end, marijuana users being locked up with hardened criminals. There are currently over 475,000 Canadians that have been arrested on marijuana-related charges.

 

Taxation and regulation of marijuana would take profits out of criminal pockets and put them back in the hands of the Canadian people. I believe in the need to end the prohibition of cannabis, and begin a smart crime approach that will target organized gang activity in communities across Canada, instead of our youth. We need to redirect the $500 million that has been spent since the Conservatives came to power, into targeting the organized crime that are profiting, not tying up the courts with end-users arrested with small amounts.

 

Regulating marijuana will keep it out of the hands of our kids, and address the root causes of crime to eliminate the negative health and social impacts that are felt across the country. Current studies are showing that Canadian youth have easier access to marijuana than they do to alcohol or cigarettes. By creating science and evidence based policies, we can responsibly regulate the distribution and use of marijuana in a way that benefits Canadians both socially and economically. With this approach, marijuana use, and more importantly abuse, can finally be treated as a health issue and not a criminal one. 

 

You also discuss the importance of returning to a compassionate Canada. This is a notion that I can overstate my support for. Canada was traditionally known as a country that offered peacekeeping and unbiased, balanced diplomacy. Under the Harper Conservatives, Canada has become increasingly “black or white” in our foreign affairs and, where we used to be seen as an effective and honest moderator, we have lost that image to many around the world. I apologize for my lack of response on twitter. While it is a fantastic tool for reaching out to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, it is not always the best medium for a conversation.

Thank you once again for writing to me; I always appreciate it when Canadians take the time to share their concerns with me. And whether everyone is in agreement, it is important that all Canadians have their voices heard.

 

Sincerely,

 

Justin P.J. Trudeau

Member of Parliament for Papineau