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Maguire to host 5 marijuana townhalls across Westman

Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris is inviting all constituents to any of the five townhalls he will be hosting in the coming days to discuss the Government of Canada’s legislation to legalize recreational marijuana.

Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris is inviting all constituents to any of the five townhalls he will be hosting in the coming days to discuss the Government of Canada’s legislation to legalize recreational marijuana.  Maguire is hosting the townhalls to hear directly from constituents on their thoughts and concerns regarding Bill C-45, an Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Bill C-46, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (offences relating to conveyances).

“My aim for the public meetings will be to discuss what is and is not contained in C-45 and C-46,” Maguire said.  He continued by saying, “the legalization of recreational marijuana is not just a federal issue as the provinces will have to determine how it will be sold and distributed. They will also need to set out what retail model will be used to sell marijuana and the regulations surrounding those businesses.”

The legalization of recreational marijuana will impact all three levels of government.  The federal government’s plan is to remove the illegalities surrounding possession and the provinces and municipalities will be involved to determine zoning bylaws, retail location and rules.

“I know there will be varying views on the legislation and welcome everyone to come and to share their points of view,” said Maguire. “I will ensure everyone’s thoughts are sent directly to the Minister of Justice and the Parliamentary Committee studying the legislation.” 

At a recent Council of the Federation Meeting, the Premiers issued a statement to highlight the costs that will be borne by the provinces for the administration and regulation, public education and law enforcement of recreational marijuana.  They also discussed the challenges surrounding the legalization date of July 1st, 2018 and how federal engagement and information will be required to manage the transition properly.

Maguire has also written to the Parliamentary Budget Officer to determine what the costs will be to implement both pieces of legislation.  Questions were asked as to the cost to the federal government to monitor and regulate the growing and distribution of marijuana.  Additionally, Maguire asked what the costs will be for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies in policing and upholding the integrity surrounding the distribution and selling of marijuana.

In response to Maguire’s letter, the Parliamentary Budget Officer responded that the Liberal government has not been forthcoming and refused to provide the information needed to perform a financial analysis.

“It is apparent that legalizing marijuana and the legislation pertaining to the law on driving under the influence will have significant costs not only to the federal government but also to provinces and municipalities,” said Maguire. “I have requested this costing analysis because I believe that all levels of government, in particular Parliamentarians, deserve to know just how much this is going to cost.”

Another area that will be discussed at the townhalls will be the issue of public safety and how the federal government plans on changing the Criminal Code to allow for roadside testing to determine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels in drivers. 

There will also be a discussion on whether 18 years old is the right age to legally purchase recreational marijuana.  Currently, there is debate among medical professionals about the age limit of 18 being too young. The Canadian Medical Association in a recent editorial stated that the Liberal plan to legalize marijuana has the ability to put young people’s health at risk as cannabis has harmful effects on the development of young brains and they are advocating the age limit be 25. 

Maguire concluded, “The public meetings will allow everyday Westman residents to make their voices heard and to provide amendments, suggestions and ideas on Bill C-45 and C-46.  I strongly believe the voice of Westman can be heard in Parliament.”

Everyone is invited to the following townhalls:

·         Sunday, August 20th
7PM – 9PM
West End Community Centre
247 23rd Street
Brandon, MB

·         Monday, August 21st
3PM - 5PM
Holland Community Hall
136 Broadway Street
Holland, MB

·         Monday, August 21st
7PM - 9PM
United Church Hall
432 Williams Street
Killarney, MB

·         Tuesday, August 22nd 
7PM - 9PM
Mountview Centre
111 South Railway Ave
Deloraine, MB

·         Wednesday, August 23rd
7PM - 9PM
Legion Hall
540 8th Avenue South
Virden, MB

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