Pubdate: Thu, 17 Nov 2016
Source: Daily Observer, The (Pembroke, CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Pembroke Daily Observer
Contact: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/letters
Website: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2615
Author: Sean Chase
Page: A1

PETAWAWA PREPARES FOR LEGALIZED POT

PETAWAWA - Municipalities will have some say in the selling of
marijuana should Parliament legalize the narcotic as has been promised
by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Petawawa council learned Monday.

Recently, the Petawawa Police Services Board discussed the
implications of federal legislation concerning marijuana. Upon advice
from law enforcement, the board drafted a series of sample bylaws and
passed them along to staff.

In last year's federal election, the Liberals campaigned on a promise
to legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana. The issue is
being studied by a government panel, however, the Liberals do not plan
to decriminalize marijuana, arguing it gives a legal stream of income
to criminal organizations. At this time, simple possession of
marijuana remains a criminal offence.

Councillor Treena Lemay, chairwoman of the Petawawa Police Services
Board, explained that municipalities will have some jurisdiction over
the sale of legalized marijuana and that council should start
preparing for the eventuality. She added the sample bylaws provide
staff and council with a framework in regards to what they can and may
want to do once Parliament rules on the issue.

"This is kind of a pro-active approach," said Lemay. "I think that, at
some point, each municipality will have some kind of control over
where marijuana is sold in their municipality."

For instance, the town could ensure that marijuana is not sold in
residential neighbourhoods or near schools. However, Councillor James
Carmody said council is putting the cart before the horse noting
municipalities may be acting too quickly considering Ottawa has not
enacted any legislation at this time. He said the federal government
will need to come up with a common mechanism for the provinces to
regulate and control medical and recreational marijuana.

"This will result in a patchwork of bylaws across the entire country
and they would all be different," he said. "It seems to me there needs
to be some leadership at the federal level."

Mayor Bob Sweet said that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
has formed a committee to advise the provincial cabinet on concerns
they have with the legalization of marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Matt