April 12, 2006

BC proposes changes to help municipalities shut down marijuana grow ops

A pilot project targeting Surrey grow ops last year has led to proposed amendments to the Safety Standards Act that, if passed, will give BC municipalities the power to identify and shut down marijuana grow ops in residential neighbourhoods through the tracking of unusual patterns of electricity use. The initiative is aimed at reducing fire hazards posed by improper electrical conditions. However, the proposed amendments also raise issues related to privacy and search warrants, specifically whether the changes will dilute current protections in place against unlawful searches. Click here for a recent CBC story including an interview with Surrey Fire Chief, Len Garis and the President of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, Richard Rosenberg.

Bill 25: Safety Standards Amendment Act, 2006

Press release on proposed amendments to the Safety Standards Act.

Posted by BCCLB at 11:33 PM

Harper confirms no change to penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana

In addition, to promising tough reforms to Canada’s criminal justice system the PM also assured those in attendance at his address to the Canadian Professional Police Association (see yesterday’s post for audio link) that his government will not reintroduce legislation drafted by the Liberals to reduce the penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Click here for a brief overview.

Posted by BCCLB at 09:28 PM

June 16, 2005

CLIENT AQUITTED OF MARIHUANA OFFENCE

Mr. C. was charged with possession for the purposes of trafficking in marihuana. Mr. C. lived in a rented house with his girlfriend, and personally paid rent to the landlord on a monthly basis. The police attended to the residence after Mr. C.'s girlfriend called 911 to report a home invasion. Upon attendance the police discovered Mr. C being beaten by the invader. They arrested the invader and searched the rest of the house for a possible second suspect. They discovered a large amount of marihuana packaged for distribution in a "home office" on the upper floor of the house.

After rigorous cross-examination of the various police witnesses and detailed legal argument the trial Judge concluded that it was not possible to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt whether the marihuana was the property of Mr. C. or his girlfriend and dismissed all counts. NOT GUILTY!

Posted by BCCLB at 06:12 PM

June 10, 2005

City of Vancouver report recommends urging Federal Government to reform drug laws

A new report from the City of Vancouver's drug policy coordinator recommends support for changes to Canada's drug laws.

News coverage here: http://www.reuters.ca/locales/c_newsArticle.jsp;:42a74b8a:f52f26d9361599cc?type=topNews&localeKey=en_CA&storyID=8734946

Full report here: http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20050614/documents/rr1-complete.pdf

Posted by BCCLB at 07:52 PM