ONTARIO STAKEHOLDERS
Key organizations that were part of the consultation process for the sale and distribution of cannabis across Ontario responded Friday to the province’s proposed framework.
Canadian Cancer Society
“We support the proposed measures around protection and prevention in the Cannabis Framework and specifically the prohibiting of smoking cannabis in all work and public places, regulations regarding where cannabis can be sold, and the need for a public education campaign. Second-hand cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful substances as tobacco smoke. If implemented, the measures announced today will help protect Ontarians.”
Liquor Control Board of Ontario CEO George Soleas
“The LCBO looks forward to working with the Government of Ontario to ensure the carefully controlled sale of cannabis across the province when it is legalized ... “We will formalize a cannabis project team to help guide our efforts and identify the many tasks that will be required before the federal deadline of July 2018 . ... We also recognize that today’s decision is a testament to the skill and talent our employees bring to their jobs every day and our reputation as an organization that is trusted by Ontarians for responsible retailing and actions that support moderate consumption.”
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police’s director of communications, Joe L. Couto
“Our preliminary review of the proposed legislation is that the Government of Ontario has heard and responded positively to the voice of Ontario’s police leaders . ... The government knows our police services need support to balance the competing interests in this area. “In a related issue, we welcome the federal government’s announcement today of $274 million to support law enforcement in the implementation of cannabis legalization and regulations. This is a very positive commitment.”
MADD Canada spokeswoman Carolyn Swinson
“That’s actually the sales model that we had recommended the government should take, similar to the LCBO, because of the controls on it, making sure it doesn’t get to people who are underage, making sure the quality is there . ... And we consider the similar model to the LCBO to be the best route to go.”
On drug-impaired driving:
“There are two bills coming. One is Bill C-45 dealing with the legalization of cannabis, and then Bill C-46 which deals with (drug-impaired) driving, and we have been saying that the federal government must pass that bill before the (marijuana) legalization goes ahead because we need the controls over the drug-impaired driving. The penalties need to be the same (as) alcohol-impaired driving.”
Addictions and Mental Health Ontario, CEO Gail Czukar
“Ontario’s approach to the federal legalization of cannabis is on the right track ... It focuses on public health and reducing the known harms surrounding cannabis, especially for youth. As it stands today, cannabis-related harms are severely under-addressed in Ontario. “Whether legalization will lead to increased cannabis use or dependence is unclear, and will need to be evaluated. But cannabis is already the presenting drug dependence issue for about one-third of the cases that are reported by Ontario’s specialized addiction treatment services . ... AMHO recommends that the government both invest upfront as well as earmark future revenues to be invested in greater capacity for addiction and mental health services, in addition to public education and prevention.”
Ontario Public Health Association executive director Pegeen Walsh
“The province’s plan to regulate legalized cannabis reflects many of the recommendations we have been advocating for . ... Important elements OPHA was encouraged to see included having a separate governmentowned and controlled retail system and an awareness campaign on the harms of cannabis. Intentions to reinvest revenues into activities that will protect and support public health, especially young people, and promoting community safety, prevention and harm reduction are also viewed favourably by our association. The association is also encouraged by plans to restrict the use of recreational cannabis in public places, workplaces and cars, as well as the announcement that cannabis will not be sold alongside alcohol . ... “While the province is on the right track for protecting youth and the public from the potential harms of cannabis, there are other measures OPHA would ask governments to consider as their plans are further developed, such as placing additional restrictions on edible cannabis products, marketing of cannabis, and home cultivation.”