Mr. Speaker, the member has been good enough to speak succinctly about her concern in this regard.
First, my focus has been on the medical availability of marijuana for compassionate purposes. As hon. members know, we have now published proposed regulations to govern the way in which those who are ill or dying can get access to marijuana if a doctor feels it can help relieve their symptoms.
On the subject of either decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana, as the member knows the House created a special committee by resolution some two or three weeks ago which I believe has now been named and which will soon begin sitting. That special committee has been asked to look at the whole question of Canada's policy toward the non-medical use of drugs. That issue will come before the committee. I think it is important not to prejudge the outcome. We must let the committee do its work and hear the various points of view.
It is a subject on which there are varied opinions, even within the hon. member's party. I think the committee should listen to the evidence, hear the various viewpoints and come back to the House with recommendations that can be debated here so that we can ultimately make a decision based on the facts.