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Sask. NDP call for pardons for pot possession

Mar 28, 2018 | 10:02 AM

The Saskatchewan NDP is sending a letter to the federal government asking the Liberals to look into pardoning people with criminal records for marijuana possession.

Opposition critic Nicole Sauer said she hopes the Sask. Party will join them in their lobbying efforts.

Sauer is hoping for the pardon as she said there’s no reason to burden people with criminal records for something about to become legalized.

Saskatchewan Justice Minister Don Morgan said people can already ask for a pardon if they so choose.

“If a person wants to have a pardon, it’s open to them to apply for a pardon on their own behalf,” Morgan said. “But to do some kind of a blanket pardon, I think is probably not in the best interest of justice of the province.”

Morgan added he will take time to look at the letter the NDP plan to send.

According to the NDP, 820 people in Saskatchewan were charged with cannabis possession in 2016 which is 51 per cent above the national average.

–With files from 980 CJME’s Jessie Anton and the Canadian Press