At its annual general meeting members of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) ratified a resolution calling for a ticket option through the Federal Contraventions Act for the simple possession of cannabis.
“The current process of sending all simple possession of cannabis cases under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) to criminal court is placing a significant burden on the entire justice system from an economic and resource utilization perspective,” stated CACP President Chief Constable Jim Chu.
The association sees several benefits to a ticketing option:
- It expands the range of enforcement options available to more effectively and efficiently address the illicit possession of cannabis while maintaining the ability to lay formal court process charges;
- It reduces the burden on policing and judicial resources and provides significantly greater economies and efficiencies; and,
- By using a ticket under the CDSA – Contraventions Act, an individual can avoid receiving a criminal record which can place significant barriers on travel, obtaining employment, bonding and citizenship.
The motion was passed by association members at their 108th Annual General Meeting in the western Canadian city of Winnipeg which ended on Thursday (August 21).
“The CACP is not in support of decriminalization or legalization of cannabis in Canada,” said Chief Constable Chu. “It must be recognized, however, that under the current legislation the only enforcement option for police, when confronted with simple possession of cannabis, is either to turn a blind eye or lay charges. The latter ensues a lengthy and difficult process which, if proven guilty, results in a criminal conviction and criminal record.”
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police was established in 1905. It represents some 1,000 police leaders from across Canada.
More information:
Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police press release and info on cannabis vote (pdf) – here
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