By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Pot to become legal October 17, extra time a good thing, says Red Deer mayor

Jun 20, 2018 | 3:26 PM

Pot smokers have 17 more weeks to wait until cannabis is officially legal in Canada.
 
That is a lot longer than the originally anticipated July 1 date for implementation, but it’s likely something Canadian municipalities will revel in.
 
Red Deer city council — Mayor Tara Veer included — have made no bones about how frustrating it’s been to have to rush through municipal legislation in order to be prepared for the legalization of marijuana.
 
With work still left to do, the additional time is a relief, Veer says.
 
“At this point, Red Deer city council has deliberated in terms of the potential locations for the retailing of cannabis,” she points out. Regulations around that were finalized on May 14.
 
“What remains outstanding is how cannabis will be attended to in our Smoke-Free Bylaw and Community Standards Bylaw. There are some provisions in our bylaw right now that do pertain to smoking of any type, but currently City adminsitration is reviewing the Smoke-Free bylaw.”
 
Any changes to that bylaw will revolve around whether city council wants to allow the smoking of recreational marijuana in public places, something many jurisdictions have banned.
 
“It has been a significant challenge for municipalities across the country to be able to respond to the federal legislation as well as the provincial legislation, because the impacts are felt locally,” she continues. “In terms of council’s ability to sufficiently consult with our public, which is a commitment we’ve made, more time allows us to do that.”
 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government delayed the legalization schedule specifically in order to give the provinces and territories more time to become fully prepared.

The Alberta Government has also issued a statement regarding the announcement that cannabis will become legal in Canada on October 17.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley says Alberta is ready to manage legalized cannabis in a way that protects Albertans and promotes public health.

“Over the past 15 months, our government has built a system for legalized cannabis focused on keeping cannabis out of the hands of children, keeping profits away from criminals and protecting Alberta’s roads, workplaces and public spaces,” Ganley says.

“Today’s federal announcement means the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) may begin the transitional work necessary to prepare for legalization. This includes finalizing contracts with suppliers, stocking cannabis and selling and delivering cannabis to retail outlets.

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Those with approved licenses may begin preparing their stores to open, but will not be allowed to sell until October 17.

“Once cannabis is legal across the country in 17 weeks, our work will not be over,” she continues. “Our government will be watching closely to ensure our legal cannabis system is working, and we will make changes as necessary.

It was also stated in Ottawa on Wednesday by a Liberal party spokesperson that it’s too early to talk about amnesty for those convicted of pot-related offences. Meanwhile, the Government of Canada’s companion legislation to Bill C-45 is also expected to pass soon. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould says Bill C-46 will give Canada the strongest impaired-driving rules in the world. 

(with file from The Canadian Press)