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ILLE - Special Committee

Illegal Drugs (Special)

 

Special Committee on Illegal Drugs

37th Parliament - 1st Session


Message from the Chairman


On March 16, 2001, the Senate re-established the Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs. The Committee has resumed proceedings on April 23, 2001, in the context of the other work undertaken by the 36th Parliament. Its mandate is to examine the Canadian government’s current laws, policies and international obligations, and the policies adopted by other countries, with respect to cannabis.

The Special Committee’s proceedings will be an opportunity to instigate new research into controlled substances, synthesize the data that is obtained, and convey clear, objective and rigorous information to the people of Canada. We will also consider and define the guiding principles that should underlie a national policy on drugs, and especially on cannabis. The Committee expects to table its final report to the Senate in August 2002.

In the course of its hearings, the Committee will hear expert witnesses from the universities, the legal system, governments, police forces, and Canadian and international non-governmental organizations. This first phase of the proceedings will be followed in the spring of 2002 by a second phase, during which the Committee wants to hear from ordinary Canadians. Its members will tour the country and meet with the general public, in order to discuss the Committee’s findings with them openly, objectively and impartially.

My colleagues on the Committee and I myself as the Committee Chair recognize the importance and relevance of the mandate that the Senate has entrusted to us. Canadian society is entitled to a public debate that is carried out with all the necessary rigour. The Senate, as a public institution, is committed to meeting this challenge in the interest of all Canadians.

The Committee wants to maintain a dialogue with all interested parties. Our hearings will be broadcast on the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC) and on this Web site. In return, you can send us your questions and comments by any of the usual means of communication.

Thank you for your interest in the Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs.


Pierre-Claude Nolin, Chairman
Special Committee on Illegal Drugs
56 Sparks Street, Room 206
Ottawa, (On)
K1A 0A4
Telephone:   (613)943-7861
                1 (800) 267-7362
Fax: (613)943-7867
E-Mail Address: iddi@sen.parl.gc.ca


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