A June memo to Conservative Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney from deputy minister Francois Guimont warned that the government is out of touch with the views of Canadians on cannabis issues.
The briefing note, released under the Access to Information Act, suggested the majority of Canadians are “increasingly likely” to support legalization or decriminalization and that youth view cannabis as less harmful compared to other drugs.
The memo is in contrast to typical Conservative talking points that state most Canadians support Harper’s staunch opposition to recreational cannabis use.