Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the intervention by my hon. friend. I accept gratefully the comments he has made.
A number of major initiatives have been taken as a result of our relatively comprehensive drug strategy. Let us also acknowledge that as a result of the transfer payment reductions now being imposed on the provinces, many of the programs they have in place will have to be curtailed or abandoned as a result.
On one hand we might be expanding and on the other hand we are making it more difficult for provincial jurisdictions to continue their programs.
I quote the Prime Minister when he was the justice minister in Pierre Trudeau's government in 1980, referring to marijuana decriminalization: "It is our intention to bring about changes which will serve to lessen the severity of penalties for possession of this substance".
Granted my friend has said what is true, but in 1980. This legislation does not do that. It continues with the same penalties we have had in the past.