Pubdate: Sat, 21 Oct 2017
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.torontosun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Kevin Connor
Page: 3

POT SHOPS CONCERN TDSB

Schools want say in where dispensaries are located

The Toronto District School Board wants a say in how close the city
and province will allow legal marijuana dispensaries to set up near
schools.

The board plans to send a letter to Mayor John Tory and Premier
Kathleen Wynne requesting they be consulted on any decisions on the
regulations for pot sales.

Ottawa plans on legalizing pot by next July and the city and province
are in discussions on where marijuana will be sold and used.

"It's important that we have a role in these conversations about the
possible locations where marijuana will be sold," said school board
Chairman Robin Pilkey Friday.

"We want to ensure that reasonable precautions are taken to ensure
safe environments for our students and staff."

Pilkey says its important to research how such legal dispensaries in
other jurisdictions have impacted schools.

"There will be negative impacts. They can't all be positive. Parents
are concerned. We have to get this right and not have 14 kicks at the
can," she said.

School trustees also want a report with recommendations how legalizing
weed will impact the TDSB as there are "many unanswered questions."

Mayor John Tory says he has reached out to the premier to have
community input for upcoming pot regulations. "Having the school board
on board would be most welcome," Tory said in a scrum Friday morning.
"I'm very concerned that we take the proper care to respect
neighbourhoods, respect children and respect retailers as to where we
put these dispensaries."

Ministry of Education spokesman Heather Irwin says stakeholders, such
as the TDSB, will have a voice.

"We are examining elements of the curriculum which need to be revised
as well as working to develop educational resources which will support
students, educators and parents," Irwin said in a release.

"Any new policies will be developed through engagement with education
and community partners representing educators, administrators,
trustees, parents and students."
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MAP posted-by: Matt