Ho, ho hold the payment

I couldn’t help but laugh when I read the article in the Cape Breton Post (“Feds, provinces agree on pottax deal,” Dec. 12) about the federal government’s plan to give the provinces 75 per cent of the revenues being generated from the tax that will be collected on the Cannabis that will be legalized on July 1, 2018.

The municipalities within the provinces are going to be the ones bearing the brunt of the fallout when this takes place and it is a known fact that when it comes to equalization distribution of funds the Nova Scotia government has a lousy record.

Just ask our previous mayor John Morgan who spent most of his time while in office fighting for CBRM’s fair share to no avail. I’m guessing it’s no longer an issue (NOT) because our present mayor hasn’t rattled that cage.

As I write this letter Chief Peter McIsaac is addressing council with his wish list and what he will need to police this matter. Add to that the money necessary to educate and bring those who need to know what to expect up to date and you are going to be looking at some staggering costs.

Maybe the feds could add a stipulation that this money must then be divided equally among however many counties are in each province. I certainly don’t have any faith in this provincial government giving us our share. We will be fighting with other municipalities for the crumbs that fall of the table from Halifax.

The feds, of course, are not about to sign anything long term and plan on revisiting this agreement in two years to see what needs to be changed, i.e., did they concede too much and need to roll back the percentage shared.

Then we read in the editorial page the same day about a former federal Conservative politician who in 2015 was against legalization now partnering with a former deputy commissioner of the RCMP to open a medical marijuana business. Wow, how things change when the almighty dollar comes into play.

Stan Peach

Glace Bay