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Pot Legislation Coming at Lightning Pace for Premiers as They Prepare for July '18 Deadline

Tuesday, 18 July 2017 12:48

Many questions still need answers, like age of majority, taxation and public health and safety.

EDMONTON-There are a lot more questions than answers as to how the provinces and territories will implement Ottawa’s self-imposed deadline of July 1, 2018 for federal legislation governing recreational marijuana use.

Questions such as; where it will be sold, possession limit, cost per gram, legal age to purchase, taxation, government responsibility and possible retail outlets. The federal government hasn’t given the Premiers many details, but warned to get ready for next July. “Lot’s of work to do, but we still have a lot of information we have to gain from Ottawa” Yukon Premier Sandy Silver said.

This lack of information on large, impacting files, is similar to the current carbon tax scheme, scheduled to come into effect in 2018. The Premiers in Edmonton are talking Tuesday about age requirements and taxation, but several leaders worry about public health and safety issues. With all these lingering questions, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister suggests delaying the legislation one year, so the provinces and territories can get a better handle. Saskatchewan’s Brad Wall says he would not object to an extension, but thinks another year may be too much. “I worry a little bit about the speed with which next July its coming at us, but we’re working with the federal government.”

“We’re concerned of course, because this is going into effect in July of next year. Ottawa has already said we’re going to go ahead regardless of whether or not you’re there.” Stated Silver.  

On taxation, Silver warns against over taxing weed, as it may not drive down illegal sales. “On the Finance Minister’s side, one of the biggest conversations was looking at the split in taxes and the rate of taxes. CD Howe did a great report on if you’re going to eliminate the illegal trade, then you’re going to really have to take a look at the tax regime and make sure you don’t over tax. Taking a look at who’s going to get a percentage of that tax, from the federal government to the provinces and territories.”

Pallister raised concerns about health impacts, suggesting studies have been performed dispelling the myth that marijuana use will not impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle. Silver says details as to what level of government will be responsible for what still needs to be worked out. “Putting on the table the responsibilities each level of government has when it comes to education, health concerns.”

(Dan Jones July 18, 2017)

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