But that doesn't mean the status quo is acceptable. There may be a few things we can do in the meantime to improve the way our justice system deals with what some say is a serious problem and others argue is much ado about nothing.
The typical Northerner convicted of possessing a single marijuana cigarette can expect a fine of $125. But as today's story on a disabled woman who appeared in court on a possession charge shows, that figure is anything but absolute.
Some judges routinely take pity on more desperate cases and reduce the fine. But is this fair? If a straightforward crime -- one free from complicating factors such as self-defence or motive -- isn't serious enough to warrant tough penalties in all situations, the our whole approach to possession is suspect.
Trafficking, a crime that often preys on the young and vulnerable is another matter entirely.
But perhaps it's time to take another look at how much of our over-worked and under-funded court's time and money we want to devote to the personal use of a mild narcotic.
The standard fine for such nuisances as carrying on open beer in public is $230. People have the option of paying up immediately or fighting it in court.
As a threat to public order, an open beer ranks with a joint. The penalties and methods of enforcement should be similar. (October 25, 1996)
But Wednesday's news that schools, libraries and charities no longer have to pay the GST is a step in the right direction and a small victory for literacy advocates who just celebrated Literacy Week.
Nowhere in Canada is literacy more threatened than in the North. Anything that makes it easier to teach and learn should be cheered loudly.
Next, we call on Finance Minister Paul Martin to extend the exemption on books to all Canadians. (October 25, 1996)