Pubdate: Sat, 02 Jul 2016
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2016 The StarPhoenix
Contact:  http://thestarphoenix.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Charles Hamilton
Page: A7

U OF S PROF NAMED TO FEDERAL PANEL ON LEGALIZING POT

Group to consult with provincial, municipal leaders about
regulations

A Saskatchewan law professor will be one of the people deciding how
pot will become legalized in Canada.

The federal government is launching a task force to study the
legalization and regulation of marijuana, after committing to
introduce legislation on the legalization of pot in the spring of 2017.

University of Saskatchewan law professor Barbara von Tigerstrom is
among the people the government has tapped to help guide that process.

"It's a daunting challenge but a really important one," von Tigerstrom
said after the task force was unveiled.

No decisions have been made about what the eventual law will look
like, Health Minister Jane Philpott said Thursday.

"We have put those questions to the task force and we look forward to
their recommendations," she said. "We will take those recommendations
into consideration."

The group will meet with provincial, territorial and municipal
governments over the coming weeks and months, Philpott said.

While she has no specific expertise in the area of marijuana policy,
von Tigerstrom has written extensively about alcohol and tobacco
regulation and health implications.

"I have no stated view on that or what the regulations should look
like," she said.

The task force is in the process of developing "concrete plans" on how
to best consult with Canadians before it submits its findings, she
said, adding the online consultation will likely be the best way for
people to make sure their voices are heard.

Von Tigerstrom acknowledged that while the task force will look
specifically at federal regulations, individual provinces will have
their say.

"It's going to be quite the task," she said.

The group - made up of experts in public health, substance abuse, law
enforcement and justice - will be chaired by former Liberal public
safety minister Anne McLellan.

McLellan, who also served as deputy prime minister, said the last
decade has brought a deeper understanding of the marijuana landscape.
"I think so many people have come to the conclusion, for so many
reasons, that the current situation is not working and we need a
better way forward," she said.

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould did not say Thursday how much it
will cost taxpayers to conduct consultations. She noted the government
will ensure the task force complies with all Treasury Board guidelines
for travel and expenses.
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MAP posted-by: Matt