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NDP MP moves bill to expunge past pot convictions

Posted in Talking Politics

Published on October 14, 2018 with No Comments

A NDP MP has presented a new bill in the House of Commons that if passed, would expunge the records of anyone who carries a criminal record for past personal pot convictions. Murray Rankin, a New Democrat MP and justice critic is tabling the private member’s bill on Thursday in the House of Commons. The proposed PMB—“An Act to establish a procedure for expunging certain cannabis-related convictions”— seeks to expunge any records for people who have been convicted of personal possession crimes that will no longer be considered illegal under Bill C-45, which comes into effect on Oct. 17. Rankin was joined by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in the House foyer to announce his new initiative. Singh said it’s illogical to have people continue to be punished—not able to get a job, or coach a child’s sports team— for doing something that will soon no longer be illegal. “This is a bold step forward that will provide justice for Canadians who are going to continue to be punished for something that will be legal,” Singh said. Rankin, who had a career in law before entering politics in 2012, said that it’s something he’s been working on for decades, and would be happy if the government took over and followed through on. “It’s a question of justice, and I’m hopeful that the Liberals will see it in that way and not as a partisan issue,” Rankin said. By his estimate there are hundreds of thousands of Canadians that carry personal possession charges for marijuana.

 

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