Richard Branson urges Tories to change crime bill and legalize pot

OTTAWA An international group of thinkers, business people and former politicians is urging the federal government to change its omnibus crime bill, arguing stiffer sentences for "minor" marijuana crimes won't make Canada safer.

The Global Commission on Drug Policy, which includes former head of the United Nations Kofi Annan and billionaire Sir Richard Branson, signed an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and senators urging them to amend the crime bill and instead of penalties, make pot legal.

In its letter, released Wednesday, the group asked the government to consider taxing and regulating marijuana "as an alternative strategy to undermine organized crime and improve community health and safety."

"Adopting the mandatory sentencing for minor cannabis offences would send Canada down a tragic path, likely costing your taxpayers billions and doing nothing to tackle drug violence or drug dependency," Branson said in a news release. "Canada should explore policies that treat drugs as a health issue, not a criminal issue."

The government indicated Wednesday it had no plans to amend the bill, or talk with Branson and the commission about Canada's drug laws.

"The Safe Streets and Communities Act goes after the source of the illicit drug trade the drug traffickers. The kinds of offenders we are targeting are those who are involved in exploiting the addictions of others for personal profit," said Julie Di Mambro, a spokeswoman for Justice Minister Rob Nicholson.

The letter comes as the Senate is set to approve Bill C-10, known as the Safe Streets and Communities Act, by the end of the week. The Conservatives used their majority in the Senate on Wednesday to limit the amount of debate on C-10 to six hours.

"This could lead to a vote (Thursday) or on Friday, depending on how the debate proceeds," said Senator Marjory LeBreton, the government leader in the Senate.

Once the Senate approves the bill, it would return to the House of Commons for approval.

The omnibus crime bill has come under scrutiny for some of the mandatory minimums that it would impose for certain drug crimes.

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Richard Branson urges Tories to change crime bill and legalize pot