Whereas medical cannabis and commercial cannabis production are regulated by the federal government under the federal Cannabis Act and regulations; And whereas Health Canada is responsible for managing risks posed to public health and safety in connection with cannabis through a variety of compliance and enforcement activities; And whereas cannabis production operations may cause disturbing odours that impact the surrounding community: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that Health Canada be required to increase the resources adequate to manage compliance and enforcement of regulatory cannabis requirements, including regulations related to preventing the escape of cannabis odours associated with cannabis plant material to the outdoors.
Minister of Public Safety Since the legalization of non-medical cannabis in Fall 2018, the Federal Government has created a strict national framework with the objectives of keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and keeping profits out of the hands of criminals. As such, the Federal Government recognizes the importance of Federal, Provincial and Territorial FPT collaboration in the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and of our shared priorities to safeguard the public health and safety of all Canadian communities. I would like to assure you that the Government of Canada continues to take measures to ensure the integrity of the legal cannabis regime, including to provide access to a quality-controlled supply of cannabis and to deter illegal activities through appropriate sanctions and enforcement measures. Public Safety Canada works in close collaboration with Federal, Provincial, Territorial, and law enforcement partners on measures to deter and reduce criminal activity relating to cannabis. Most recently, my officials have been working with Provinces, Territories, and police agencies to take action to disrupt online illicit sales of cannabis. Police agencies across Canada have been successful in closing down a large number of illegal dispensaries and cultivation and distribution operations. Please be assured that I am committed to continuing to work closely with ProvincialTerritorial agencies, Health Canada, Indigenous communities, and the law enforcement community to seek mutually beneficial solutions to Cannabis Act enforcement issues.