Migrants warned of consequences of cannabis abuse
As Russianweek.ca notes, the cannabis law provides for penalties of up to 14 years in prison for illegal production or distribution. The same maximum penalty applies for providing or selling marijuana to persons under 18. These rules come into effect on December 18, and their violation falls under the definition of serious crimes.
The impact of the new rules on permanent and temporary residents of Canada could be significant, according to a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. People who work with immigrants and refugees agree that they will complicate the lives of newcomers. "The significance of this change from an immigration perspective is very great," said immigration lawyer Lorne Waldman.
Immigration officers may decide that a person is inadmissible to Canada for committing "serious crimes," even if the driving offense was committed in another country.
Under federal immigration law, a permanent resident or foreign national may be considered inadmissible if they have been convicted of an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. As a result, the department notes, the new laws on driving under the influence of cannabis could mean a number of serious consequences.
Thus, permanent residents who violate them may lose their status and must leave the country. Temporary residents, including visitors, foreign students, and workers caught "driving under the influence of marijuana" will be deported from Canada and will not be able to re-enter. Refugees who violate the rules may be denied the right to have hearings on their claims. In addition, appeal rights for permanent residents and foreign nationals, including sponsored family class members, may be affected if they are among the violators.
"Under the changes, permanent residents convicted of driving offenses in Canada will have to worry about the prospect of deportation," noted lawyer Lorne Waldman.