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Marijuana Party given fewer puffs on-air

CBC debate limits speaking time for Ed de Vries

JOHN THOMPSON

Ed de Vries argues that growing marijuana across Nunavut is a one-size-fits-all solution to the territory’s woes. He’s also upset about having less time to speak at the all candidates forum than everyone else. “They don’t want me to speak because they know what I could offer. The people of Nunavut would jump for it.” (PHOTO BY JOHN THOMPSON)

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With no travel budget, Nunavut’s candidate for the Marijuana Party planned to reach the ears of voters through the airwaves during the on-air candidates forum, hosted by CBC radio.

But last week he was told he could only speak for three minutes during the introduction, and three minutes at closing, if time permits. Unlike candidates for the other parties, he won’t be allowed to field questions.

“They don’t want me to speak because they know what I could offer. The people of Nunavut would jump for it,” he said.

De Vries said he represents a silent majority in Nunavut.

That’s because he estimates about 75 per cent of Inuit and 60 per cent non-Inuit smoke dope. “And that’s a conservative estimate,” he said.

He said the election of a Marijuana Party member would help push forward reforms to legalize the possession and cultivation of marijuana.

“This would send a serious message to the rest of Canada, and the world,” he said. “This would stand the world on its head.”

De Vries offered a tall list of promises he said would fall into place if Nunavut followed his plan to build marijuana grow-operations around the territory.

They include a detox centre, Inuit cultural programs, new schools, breakfast programs for kids, hockey equipment and much more.

Until then, he said he’s working on making cannabis available in a form you can spray into your mouth for medicinal purposes. He’s also recently been in contact with a marijuana health advocate who’s interested in speaking to students in schools — something some parents may not be too thrilled about.

De Vries argued he’d be a stronger voice for Nunavut than the incumbent, Nancy Karetak-Lindell. He said that as a Liberal Party member, she isn’t always free to speak her mind.

“She needs Liberal consent to raise issues that are northern.”

He wants an independent inquiry into allegations of an RCMP slaughter of sled dogs, led by Inuit elders and “select judicial representatives” chosen by Inuit.

De Vries faces several marijuana-related criminal charges, including laundering the proceeds of crime, one count of drug trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit trafficking.

If convicted, he could face jail time — which would compromise his ability to represent Nunavut in the House of Commons. But every vote will help boost his cause, regardless of the outcome of his court case, he said.

“If I get a couple thousand votes, and people know I’m being charged for marijuana offences, isn’t that a clear message? Isn’t that better than 12 people on a jury?

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