The Saskatchewan Chamber is voicing its support for what the Saskatchewan government is proposing on cannabis sales.
In a news release Wednesday, the provincial Chamber said they were encouraged by the announcement the province would pursue a private retail and distribution model for cannabis, and also stated the appropriate role of the government was as a fair and impartial regulator of private sector activity.
“In endorsing the sales process we fully acknowledge that not all business people believe legalization is the right course of action. However, we realize all Canadians want a safe and legal process, rather than the Wild West that is the current situation in pot sales,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.
“While the legalization of cannabis will create new business opportunities in the province, legalization will also bring with it some new challenges for employers, particularly those operating in safety-sensitive environments, such as construction, oil and gas, mining, forestry, and transportation. On these matters, the Chamber calls on both the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada to provide greater clarity for employers by establishing a legal definition of impairment, developing reliable, standardized, and legally-sanctioned drug testing protocols, and establishing a legal definition for the term ‘safety-sensitive position.’”
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority is issuing 60 retail permits to private operators in 40 Saskatchewan communities. North Battleford is slated for two of those permits; Battleford one. However, communities also have the option to opt out.
The provincial chamber has also recommended that 19 be the legal minimum age for purchasing and consuming cannabis, in line with the legal age for alcohol. The Saskatchewan Chamber also is seeking additional guidelines related to workplace safety before full legalization takes effect.
The news release is timely given that the issue of the retail sale of cannabis is now before municipalities. It was slated to return to North Battleford council Monday night for further discussion on whether the city will allow two cannabis retail outlets in the city, or whether it will decide to opt out. (See Thursday’s Regional Optimist for the report from Monday’s meeting.)
At the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce board meeting last Tuesday, the issue of cannabis retail was also discussed at length.
Executive director Linda Machniak said the Canadian Chamber has been doing some work on the issue, working closely with the federal government, and a report is expected to be out shortly.
Machniak said she has also had discussions with the provincial Chamber. The indication is the provincial chamber is planning to hold a series of educational events on marijuana legalization, in conjunction with local Chambers.
Machniak said plans in the works for a “drug panel” to go around the province featuring speakers on the issue.
The intent would be to include speakers from HR, growers, lawyers, or others involved in the process. The panel would travel to various communities and hold informational and educational events with members (ie. a luncheon or an evening event).
Machniak indicated at Tuesday’s meeting there is plenty of interest from members.
“There’s a lot of questions and we’ve already had members ask us about it,” said Machniak. “We’re just trying to work with the provincial Chamber about getting the best speakers possible.”
