The Liberal Government is considering ways to deal with Canadian criminal records for possessing pot that were on the books before marijuana becomes Legal this summer. 

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale confirmed officials are examining “all the legal implications,” but would not say how the government is likely to proceed.

“We’re in the midst of a major change here. I know there is a real anxiety for a bit of a play-by-play commentary, but I think the responsible thing is to do the analysis, see where the unfairnesses are and take the appropriate steps to correct those problem,” he told reporters in London, Ont., where the Liberal cabinet is holding a winter retreat. “But we need to do it in an orderly way.”

A potential amnesty program was first reported in La Presse. 

Critics have pushed for a pardon (orrecord suspension) program for simple possession of Cannabis, and say people should not be criminally charged in the period before the government brings its legalization plan into force.

While acknowledging “unfairnesses,” Goodale said criminal charges and prosecutions must continue until the law formally changes. The government is aiming to legalize cannabis by July.

“We’re moving in an orderly fashion to change the law appropriately and get the job done. In the meantime, the existing law remains and people need to obey that law.”

Goodale said the change represents a “significant transformational change in the Canadian law.”

He said any legal moves to address criminal records would not take place until after the laws are in force.