Blair looks to Niagara farming for advice on pot
GRANT LAFLECHE
POSTMEDIA NETWORK
The parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice says the federal government will be looking to Niagara’s agricultural sector for guidance when framing legislation to legalize marijuana.
Scarborough West MP Bill Blair, the former Toronto police chief, said Thursday the knowledge of Niagara’s farming industry will be invaluable for a government trying to determine how to regulate production of pot.
“The interesting thing about coming to Niagara is that the region has a vibrant agricultural sector, including all the wineries,” Blair said. “That experience is very useful.”
Blair was at Brock University Thursday afternoon for a round table talk with community leaders to discuss the Liberal government’s plan to legalize and regulate marijuana in Canada.
Blair, joined by St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle, met with several leaders of key local agencies, including St. Catharines fire Chief Dave Wood, Niagara Emergency Medical Services Chief Kevin Smith, and representatives from Niagara’s public health department and Brock.
Blair then met with Niagara Regional Police Chief Jeff McGuire in Niagara Falls.
The meeting was part of crosscountry consultations the Ministry of Justice is conducting on the issue.
Blair said he understands the tension between people who want to see marijuana legalized and the police community which often argues against it.
He said what he believes police agencies are looking for is clear, unambiguous regulations on the production and possession of marijuana, including what police can and cannot do about home-based projection of marijuana.
They are also concerned about drivers impaired by the use of the drug, he said.
Blair said public health officials, including those in Niagara, are asking that the health risks of marijuana use be included in new regulations.
From Blair’s point of view, the regulations for legalized pot should look similar to tobacco, which, in Ontario the board is welcoming an increased number of students, but in Welland enrolment has remained stable in recent years.
“The demographic is not the same in Welland,” Francoeur said.
L’Heureux said French education is much different to French immersion offered in English schools. Every single interaction is done in French at French schools, whereas in French immersion there are times when English is used.
He said he hopes parents who want their children to learn French will be more inclined to send them to the new school. along with placing limits on where and by who it can be used, emphasizes the reduction of smoking by promoting health risks.
Ultimately, Blair said the government expects to bring new regulations forward in the spring.