On Thursday evening, the Canadian Senate made some major news announcements when it gave approval in principle to the federal government’s bill to legalize recreational marijuana.
The bill will now be scrutinized by five different Senate committees, which could recommend amendments, before returning it to the upper house for a final debate and vote by June 7.
But not everyone is that happy about the bill. Especially the Conservative Sen. P-H Boisvenue, who called Bill C-45 or the Cannabis Act — excuse our language — “a piece of shit.”
Glen McGregor, the political correspondent for CTV National News, is the one who reported about Boisvenue’s choice of words on Twitter before the bill was passed at second reading by a vote of 44-29.
Boisvenue was so furious, he reportedly said every clause needs to be rewritten and cannot be repaired with amendments.
Sen. P-H Boisvenue calls the marijuana bill th e Senate will vote on “A piece of shit.” Says every clause needs to be rewritten and cannot be repaired with amendments. pic.twitter.com/HhXExq4HIe
— Glen McGregor (@glen_mcgregor) March 22, 2018
In reaction, one Twitter user called to “abolish” the Senator.
The only POSs are in the Upper Chamber. Abolish the senate!
— Tony Lea (@TonyLeaToronto) March 22, 2018
The Upper House, the Red Chamber or the Senate also received some flak from Canadians for being “unelected” yet having a major role in deciding whether the bill will pass or not.
It is staggering to me that this is allowed to happen in my country. I don’t care about the bill & its contents!! It is disgusting that an unelected official can do this sort thing! The Red Chamber must go!
— Mike Ball (@mpalota54) March 22, 2018
This is annoying. On the one hand I strongly dislike an unelected Senate. On the other, isn’t his what they are currently paid to do, ie think on the bill and then react?
— Mike Warland (@MikeWarland) March 22, 2018
A Harper appointee, with a litany of inappropriate behavior charges against him as a Senator, playing partisan politics as an unelected representative
— GarthNorris (@GarthNorris) March 22, 2018
However, Boisvenue’s comments also reflect Canadians’ mixed emotions.
Marc Emery, a Canadian icon for marijuana activism in the country, dubbed the bill as “worse than prohibition” and that the Liberal-led government has “ruined legalization.”
Tories are ignorant & stupid. Liberals are control freaks who have ruined “legalization”. I’m so disgusted with my country & the entire process. I hope Senate defeats C-45. Bill C-45 & 46 are worse Prohibition bills than current laws. https://t.co/K1Zq5J3crW
— Marc Emery (@MarcScottEmery) March 22, 2018
Many activists see holes and issues in the act itself. For instance, selling marijuana to a teen could land the offender up to 14 years in prison. However, many others want to see recreational marijuana to be finally legalized and no longer pose as a ground for charges for possessing or smoking it.
One Independent Senator Tony Dean said he was “embarrassed” by those who voted against the bill.
.@SenateCA I’m privileged to work with @ISGSenate Independent colleagues. They tonight voted to send cannabis reform bill #C45 to five Senate Committees for study. I’m embarrassed by those who attempted to shut down this work. #cdnpoli #legalization
— Tony Dean (@TonyDean_TO) March 23, 2018
And there are others, who really just want to see it legalized.
[share-btn]The Canadian Senate has passed the marijuana Bill by an overwhelming majority. Looks like legal dope is going to be here soon. Goodnight all.
— Christian Bewell (@LWOCBewell) March 23, 2018
