Ceci slams feds over proposed split of tax on pot

The provincial government’s plan to allow legal marijuana sales at privately owned stores has the business community optimistic about potential opportunities.

Less impressed is Finance Minister Joe Ceci, who was grinding his teeth Friday at the federal government’s proposed 50/50 split in tax revenue from pot sales.

“I’m not sure what the federal government is smoking, but I can tell you that’s not going to work for Alberta,” he told media.

Provinces and municipalities are bearing the brunt of the responsibility around legalized pot sales, he argued, so it’s unfair for the federal government to swoop in and grab half of the cash.

Ceci said that money should instead go to making sure cannabis stays out of the hands of children, keeping the criminal element out of the industry and maintaining safe roads and public spaces.

The federal government wants to tax legalized marijuana at 10 per cent. Ceci said he has already sent a letter to the federal government saying taking half of that revenue is “unacceptable.”

OPTIMISM OVER RETAIL POT PLANS

While Ceci fumed, prospective pot retailers were rubbing their hands together Friday at the chance for a stake in legal cannabis sales.

The Alberta Liquor Store Association is awaiting more details on legislation, but president Ivonne Martinez is happy about the direc- tion the government is headed.

“This is a fantastic first step that recognizes the strength of Alberta’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to step up to the plate,” Martinez said.

She said liquor stores are still not exactly sure what it means for their role in cannabis infrastructure, but they’re crossing their fingers.

A group of potential cannabis retailers have already come together to form the Alberta Cannabis Collective in preparation for legal pot sales on July 1.

The group wants to act as the voice for retailers, with a focus on education and holding stores to the highest possible standard.

Vice-president Mack Andrews said Friday he was “ecstatic” when he read about the government’s plans to let private retailers take the lead on weed sales.

Full legislation is expected next week, but in the meantime Andrews said leaving the brick-andmortar part of the industry in the hands of entrepreneurs was the right choice.

Andrews isn’t quite so sure about government handling online sales, but is pleased residents of rural Alberta will be able to buy legal marijuana.

Less likely to be happy with the proposed plan is Alberta’s largest union, though it’s waiting to see the bill before making any comments.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees passed a resolution at its annual convention last month calling for publicly owned weed retail stores.