OTTAWA—The Liberal plan to legalize marijuana by midsummer was rescued Thursday when senators — including Independents who were appointed but not controlled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — voted for the Trudeau government’s proposed bill. In a 44-29 vote, the Senate nudged forward Bill C-45, one of two key bills that would enact a new legal framework for cannabis production and distribution. “We expect a more independent Senate will do its work, to look at legislation sent by the House of Commons, that they evaluate the positive impacts on the community, that they bring ameliorations, if needed. They expected 33 Conservative senators would vote against the legislation, and were seeking support from the ranks of 43 Independent senators, 11 Liberals and six who have no affiliation. The Independent senators’ group circulated an email late Wednesday alerting them to the importance of Thursday’s vote and several returned to Ottawa.

Source: thestar March 22, 2018 23:03 UTC