Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the Fortune Global Forum in Toronto on Monday, October 15, 2018. With just hours to go before pot is legal in Canada, Trudeau says Canadian parents should be talking to their kids about the drug. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Republished October 17, 2018 - 6:50 AM
Original Publication Date October 16, 2018 - 7:56 AM
OTTAWA - The federal government promises it will soon be quicker — and less expensive — to obtain a criminal pardon for simple pot possession convictions of the past.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says coming legislation will waive the waiting period and fee for those seeking a pardon for possession offences.
The Liberals have faced pressure to address the pot pardon issue, including within their own caucus, due to the effect of marijuana-related convictions on marginalized Canadians.
Until now, simple possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana has been punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
Individuals have been eligible to apply for a pardon through the Parole Board of Canada five years after the conviction is handed down.
But the waiting period and the $631 cost of applying for a pardon, known as a record suspension, have proven difficult for some people saddled with records.
More coming
News from © The Canadian Press, 2018