Vancouver MPs voice opposition to Marc Emery's extradition

Two Vancouver MPs are decrying a decision to support the extradition of marijuana activist Marc Emery to the United States.

In 2005, Emery was arrested as part of a joint Canada-U.S. law enforcement effort on charges that relate to an alleged online marijuana seed-selling business based in Vancouver.

Emery had been out on bail for the past six months from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre. With the period of his release set to expire, Emery surrendered himself to authorities this morning (May 10) at the Vancouver courts to await a decision on extradition.

Emery’s wife, Jodie, told the Straight earlier today that she had learned federal justice minister Robert Nicholson approved an extradition order.

The decision has now come under fire from NDP MP Libby Davies and Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh. Both MPs tabled a 12,000-signature petition earlier this year in the House of Commons that opposed Marc Emery’s extradition.

“It’s about Canadian sovereignty,” Davies, the MP for Vancouver East, told the Straight. “Why would we cart off a Canadian to serve time in America for something he wouldn’t have been charged with in Canada? Now what we’re left with is trying to press that he at least be allowed to serve his time in Canada.”

Dosanjh, the MP for Vancouver South, told the Straight that Emery faces a “disproportionate sentence that he wouldn’t have received in Canada”.

“I believe in that case we as a country should ensure that he’s at least able to serve his sentence in a Canadian prison,” Dosanjh said. “He’s not a dangerous offender.”

The federal department of justice could not be reached for comment.

Comments

34 Comments

ant jacques uk

May 10, 2010 at 5:30pm

i think its disgusting the usa can get away with extraditing people for acts commited in canada which are legal there. what the hell is going on in this world? FREE MARC EMERY NOW!!!

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Jill Clarksen

May 10, 2010 at 6:02pm

A sad day for Canada. I am not a proud Canadian today...shame on you.

Bob Watson

May 10, 2010 at 7:39pm

Dosanjh is a turncoat NDP-Liberal. He will say anything to get votes. Even from DOPERS.
I hope Emery rots in jail.

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Joshua

May 10, 2010 at 7:44pm

An American who wonders why Obama is even allowing this to happen. I guess he has his own agenda and it is not as liberal as the democrats and stoners of this country thought he was when he lied on the campaign trail. I hope Canada will fight this! Good luck Marc.
Former stoner who's govt wont let him smoke because I have a CDL license for my Job.

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woolybuggerca

May 10, 2010 at 7:49pm

i absolutely agree with "Davies" comment. I really think all Canadians have to start politically being active again. not only where status quot apply but in every topic that is important to you! in this case it is absolutely a Canadian citizens freedom of liberty at risk,not a guy who actively promotes marijuana.when we agree to political actions like this,take a long look and see how the loss of this "sovereignty"could effect potentially every citizen at one point or another in the future (homeland security n all).we are a country after all i think we can deal with our own problems,personally i don't much care what big brother wants.let their own populous deal with theirs.our country is great by its diversity not it's conformity.

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Danny Moe

May 10, 2010 at 8:36pm

THIS IS BULLSHIT! why should a Canadian be extradited to the U.S.A.? He paid taxes to the Canadian government for his business and if the Canadian government is willing to take those tax dollars they should also be willing to support a Canadian entrepreneur. He has never been to the US and should not be subject to their tyrannical laws. If we extradite Marc Emery I would like to see the US send over Smith and Wesson for selling handguns on the internet, it's illegal here so why not prosecute? Because it would be ridiculous, and everyone knows it, the Canadian government has to stop being a US yes man and grow a backbone. SUPPORT YOUR CITIZENS!!! VOTE DANNY MOE FOR CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER NEXT ELECTION AND BULLSHIT LIKE THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. Fight the good fight Mr. Emery real Canadians support you, redneck wannabe hillbilly Canadians that dont can FUCK THEMSELVES

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Stephan

May 10, 2010 at 8:59pm

"The federal department of justice could not be reached for comment."

Cowards.

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Nite Owl

May 10, 2010 at 9:15pm

Does this mean that we're going to start extraditing Americans for their part in getting illegal guns into Canada? Does Harper have the guts to go against his masters? Do you think the Americans would let us or would they just laugh in our face?

J

May 10, 2010 at 9:19pm

I agree with Danny, It is absolutely ridiculous that our government would even considering sending Marc to a US prison for selling something he PAID INCOME TAX on to the CANADIAN GOVERNMENT. Once again it proves that the governments of this world are nothing more than organized crime.

Nina Menard

May 10, 2010 at 9:31pm

This is all about being politically active and making your vote count...In Guelph Ontario, we have had a medical cannabis club raided and shut down, this due, in part to the ambivalent and outmoded laws surrounding the usage and distribution of this herb....protests and rally's to follow....Marc Emery is a marijuana activist, not a dangerous criminal....after all, the governments have made gambling and alcohol legal, as well as lethal prescriptions ....this is out in the open, unlike some corruption and cover-ups within our own government....

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