Pubdate: Wed, 27 Apr 2016
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 The Calgary Sun
Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: James Wood
Page: 16

WORKING MODELS IN PLACE FOR POT LEGALIZATION

The federal health minister says the exact role of the provinces in 
regulating legal marijuana has yet to be determined but there is a 
model in how they already deal with alcohol and tobacco.

Jane Philpott announced last week at the UN that the Canadian 
government would introduce legislation next spring to legalize pot.

The Liberals plan to appoint a task force to work out the issues 
raised by legalization, including the responsibilities of provincial 
governments.

Speaking to reporters at the Liberal's cabinet retreat in Kananaskis, 
Philpott said it's too early to talk specifics but noted provinces 
already have a regulatory role.

"They can look for example to the fact that they have legislation 
around other products, such as tobacco and alcohol, but until we have 
a bit better idea about our legislation, I think it's too early to 
say," she said.

The Alberta government regulates the sale and consumption of alcohol 
through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. Similarly, it also 
sets rules around tobacco, regulating what products can be sold, the 
legal age for consumption and where it can be used. Both tobacco and 
alcohol are also subject to significant provincial taxation - with 
the province projecting nearly $2 billion in revenue from the 
commodities in 2016-17.

Philpott acknowledged that how potential tax revenue from legal weed 
will be divided between provincial and federal governments is "one of 
the big questions" for the task force.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who promised legalization in last 
fall's federal election campaign, has in the past downplayed the 
prospect of significant tax revenue from marijuana and suggested most 
of the money raised should go to addiction and support programs.

Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said alcohol and tobacco are 
not a "perfect analogy" for marijuana but the province will have a 
role to play in concert with Ottawa.

"There will need to be some regulations around who can use it, 
ensuring that people don't use it before operating a motor vehicle, 
where it can be grown, where it can be sold, that sort of thing," she said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom