OTTAWA – The federal government promises it will soon be quicker — and free — to obtain a criminal pardon for simple pot possession convictions of the past.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says coming legislation will waive the waiting period and fee for those seeking a pardon for possession offences.

Minister Goodale says the initiative to help people receive pardons for simple pot possession is about basic fairness #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/IKd2VxaySq — Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) October 17, 2018

Goodale adds, one challenge in drafting the legislation is that it will also have to deal with provincial justice systems #cdnpoli #legalization — Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) October 17, 2018

The Liberals have faced pressure to address the pot pardon issue, including within their own caucus, due to the effect of marijuana-related convictions on marginalized Canadians.

On possession cases currently before the courts, Justice Minister @Puglaas says those decisions lie with the public prosecutions office, which is independent from the government. They need to decide if there is still reasonable grounds for conviction in those cases. #cdnpoli — Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) October 17, 2018

Until now, simple possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana has been punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Individuals have been eligible to apply for a pardon through the Parole Board of Canada five years after the conviction is handed down.

But the waiting period and the $631 cost of applying for a pardon, known as a record suspension, have proven difficult for some people saddled with records.