Public-private ‘hybrid option’ in Manitoba’s legal pot plan

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister signalled Monday that the province’s private sector will be involved in the distribution of marijuana when recreational use is legalized next July.

Pallister said details of the provincial plan to govern cannabis would be released Tuesday.

He rejected earlier statements from the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union that sales should be done exclusively through government-run stores.

Pallister said there will be some sort of a “hybrid option” — publicsector regulation and distribution combined with private-sector delivery — that could take business away from the existing black market.

“People want to have access and selection and customer service, and these are things the private sector has developed a reputation for,” Pallister said.

“Our plan ... will protect Manitobans and also help us to make sure that we’re getting the gangs out of this business as fast as we can.”

The premier said Manitoba will not follow Ontario’s plan to establish stand-alone government-run stores offering a set price.

Pallister’s Progressive Conservative government asked for expressions of interest in July from potential cannabis producers and vendors. Tuesday’s announcement is expected to reveal the overall structure of sales and regulation.

Some of the finer details are to be worked out later.

The Opposition New Democrats have called on the government to ban private cannabis retailers in Winnipeg and other communities large enough to have governmentrun liquor stores, at least initially.

The NDP, as well as public-sector union leaders, says workers in government-run stores are best qualified to ensure pot is sold responsibly and according to whatever rules are laid out. Manitoba’s alcohol sales are mixed.

Only government-run stores offer the full range of beer, wine and hard liquor. There are many private beer vendors, and a small number of private wine stores.