Pubdate: Thu, 04 Aug 2016
Source: Gravenhurst Banner (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Gravenhurst Banner
Contact:  http://www.gravenhurstbanner.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4780
Author: Brent Cooper
Page: A1

CHAMBER PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN AFTER DISPENSARY RAIDED

MUSKOKA - A Wahta man charged with drug trafficking said his decision
to step away from a high-profile volunteer position was "not really,"
a difficult one.

Cal White officially took a temporary leave as president of the
Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce until his charges of possessing
marijuana for purposes of trafficking in relation to a Wahta marijuana
dispensary is resolved.

"I am stepping down temporarily, until this current situation resolves
itself," he said when he was contacted at his home Saturday. "I didn't
want to have anything I am going through right now reflect on the
chamber. It was nothing to do with them so they shouldn't have to
worry about that."

The business Legacy 420 closed down after White said police laid
criminal charges against him.

The dispensary opened on Wahta First Nation in May. On, July 22,
Bracebridge OPP showed up at the business and charged operator White,
58, with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking over
three kilograms. He was also charged with possession of marijuana for
purpose of trafficking under three kilograms.

Two other men have since been charged in this case.

White said he would remain as a member of the chamber's board for the
time being. He has been with the chamber for more than nine years now
and was in his first term as its president when he stepped aside.

"I didn't discuss (leaving) with the executive and the board first,"
White said.

Vice-president Christina Shane will take over for him in the meantime,
according to a chamber release.

- - with files from Samantha Beattie
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt