About a week ago, the liberals announced that they would not have time in this session to deal with the controversial bill C-17, which would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, due to the upcoming federal election.
This isn't a huge surprise. The Liberals stated that the reason for this decision is the bill is controversial, and many members of different parties would want to weigh in on the matter before it was passed. For instance, the Bloc and NDP both support the bill, but want amendments made to it before it passes. For instance, they are likely to request provisions providing amnesty for offenders charged under the old system.
But here is where things get interesting.
With John Gomery pushing back the election by 6 weeks, the Liberals have changed a winter election into a spring election, boosting Liberal prospects and increasing pressure on the Conservatives, who may try and bring down the government this fall.
Personally, I support C-17 and hope that members of the NDP, Conservatives, or Bloc call the Liberals on their delays and posturing before an election. All the major parties have reasons to call them on this move: The Bloc and NDP because they want to see the legislation pass, and the Conservatives because bringing this issue up could hurt support for the Liberals in the upcoming election.
Anyway, I'll be writing my MP about this, but it should make an interesting start to the session when parliament resumes.
