Details on where the provinces and territories stand on looming pot legalization
With marijuana legalization looming next summer, Ontario has outlined its plan for the sale of weed. Here’s what’s happening in the rest of the country.
— Alberta held public consultations on legalization through the summer. It says it is currently reviewing the results with the hope of having draft rules out this fall. The province’s justice minister has previously said Alberta expects help from Ottawa covering any extra costs associated with enforcement.
— British Columbia’s NDP minority government hasn’t come out with a set marijuana policy since forming government this summer, but Premier John Horgan has said marijuana legalization is long overdue. He supports a hybrid model of public and private operations, much like the province’s current liquor regulations, when it comes to marijuana.
— Manitoba has been perhaps the loudest voice calling for the federal government to delay legalization while the provinces work through the issues. The province has sought the input of potential producers and vendors in the private sector as it considers its options. However, the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union is opposed to private sales and is pushing for weed to be sold through government liquor stores.