Fantino said it was Conservative government policy to “continue to protect children and teens from the harmful effects of drugs on their health and development.

“As a grandparent, former police leader and as a member of Parliament, I strongly stand with Vaughan families who, like me, want their government to protect our children, and not make drugs more accessible; this is a well-considered and informed position I have a duty to share with my constituents.”

Goodale said Trudeau is trying, through legalization, to make sure marijuana is properly regulated and taxed so “it is less likely the material will fall into the hands of young people.

“He has been very clear about this whenever he has spoken publicly, in whatever forum, everywhere in the country. He said exactly the same thing: that the current policy has clearly failed because we, in Canada, have, unfortunately, one of the highest marijuana usage rates among young people in the world,” Goodale said.

“So whatever the legal structure is right now, it’s clearly not working. It’s a failed policy. It’s a different approach, a new approach, but it’s one that has a better chance of success than the failed policy that the Conservatives are embracing.”

A recent poll of 3,000 people conducted by the Canadian Department of Justice revealed 70 per cent of Canadians believe pot laws should be relaxed.

The breakdown showed 37.3 per cent said the government should legalize marijuana, while 33.4 per cent said the possession of small amounts should be decriminalized.

Just 13.7 per cent of those who responded supported the status quo and 12 per cent said they wanted harsher penalties.

In terms of enforcement, police chiefs have been calling for ticketing for illegal possession of marijuana.

“Under the current legislation, the only enforcement option for police, when confronted with simple possession of cannabis, is either to turn a blind eye or lay charges,” said association of police chiefs president Jim Chu last year. “The latter ensues a lengthy and difficult process which, if proven guilty, results in a criminal conviction and criminal record.”