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(~fr4Wekedd ZAKIS À4 PRA MadComuiyNwppr VlY4 o 2StrDcme 8 02 2 ae E487 Lamier _7Ave.,' 8 1 8 - 881 $ I.M (GST included) Local police support deicriminalizing ot -] on small scale only Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Just cruisin' Santa takes in a littie exercise at the Milton Leisure Centre while daydreaming about a well- earned cruise with the Mrs. The leisure centre hasts an array of holiday swim and fitness classes over the Christmas break. For more information, cali (905) 878-7946. But chi ef says he fears youths getting the wrong message By LISA TALLYN Special ta The Champion Potentially looser laws on mari- juana possession have receîved lukewarm support locally but Haltons police chief has expressed concemn youths are get- tmng a mixed message about drug use. A Commons committee, chaired by Burlington MIP Paddy Torsney, recom- mended earlier this month that Canadians should be allowed to grow and carry around 30 grams of marijuana for personal use at thse risk only of a ticket and fine, nos a criminal record. Marijuana would remamn an illegal substance and trafficking ini any amount would still be a crime. Champion 's bureau fumd almost there The Champion's Chistmas Bureau Fund was within striking distance of its 2002 tar- get as press time Monday aftemoon. A total of $24,796 had been collected in thse annual fundraising drive, which ensured that ail local familles had a nice Christmas, complete with dinner and Soya for thse children. This year's goal was $25,000. The fund picked up considerable steam after a slow start, with a number of sizeable donations from both businesses and indi- viduals. At press time, which was early due to the holidays, funds were stiil coming in and people had until 2 p.m. Tuesday to dongte. The final tally will be reported in this Tuesday's Champion. Legisiation on the matter could be introduced early next year. H a 1 t o n Rdgional Police Chief Ean Algar said the police service, in keep- ing with the Chiefs of Police eomnai, supports possession of a smail quantity of mnarijuana be treated as a non-criminal offence, but he stressed, that would he for the first offence only and as the police officers discretion. He said that recommendation is in line with what is already occurning in the courts. Chief Algar stressed that recommnenda- tion cornes wîth the caveat that a renewed National Drug Strategy be put in place that would include public education, a health component and harsher penalties for deal- mng and production of drugs. Chief Algar however, isn't happy with see SOME on page 16 Comment ......6-.7 Lit ostyles...9-10 Dateline ....... 20 Sports ......21-23 Classif od ...24-25 Spoclallzlng Un insuranco dlaims. IGALUI Htawkins AnimaliHspltai - Dr. Debbie Hawkins 50Ontario St. S., Unit 35A 4> (located ln PhzzHut PMmz) 0 (905) 875m6888