Whereas the Government of Canada has publicly declared its intention to legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana with creation of a federalprovincialterritorial task force with input from experts in public health, substance abuse and law enforcement to design a new system of marijuana sales and distribution with appropriate federal and provincial excise taxes applied; And whereas the Government of Canada Standing Policy Committee has committed to working with the provinces and local governments of Canada on a coordinated regulatory approach to marijuana, respecting provincial health jurisdiction and particular regional concerns and practices: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the federal and provincial governments directly involve local government, through UBCM and FCM, in the process of establishing a regulatory approach to marijuana in Canada, while ensuring that all orders of government are granted adequate time to align and integrate regional and local regulations and practices with new federal laws.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General The Government of Canada announced their commitment to introduce legislation to legalize, regulate and restrict access to cannabis in the spring of 2017. The Province of British Columbia is actively engaged with the federal government and considerations regarding the health and safety of British Columbians are at the forefront of those discussions. At present, the Province has established a number of committees under the lead of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to ensure British Columbia develops a regulatory framework that seeks to: prioritize the health and wellness of British Columbians; address crime and the illegal market; protect youth; and address drug-impaired driving. This includes an Inter-Ministry Working Group to support the future development of the provincial regulatory framework in preparation of the federal legislation to legalize cannabis. The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Developments Local Government Division is an active participant in the Inter-Ministry Working Group. The federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation has released its final report - A Framework for the Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis in Canada. The Province is reviewing the recommendations made within the Report and will further engage in discussions with the federal government prior to their anticipated introduction of legislation in the spring of 2017. In particular, the Province is reviewing the recommendations that will affect provinces and territories, as well as local governments. The Province respects the concerns of local governments and will build a made-in-BC approach for our province that includes rigorous considerations for the health and safety of all British Columbians.