As the date for cannabis legalization approaches, Saskatchewan municipalities are taking a big step forward in their preparation to keep citizens safe and well-served from day one. Following months of collaboration with a technical advisory group and legal experts, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), in partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and provincial and territorial counterparts from across Canada, have launched the Municipal Guide to Cannabis Legalization.
“As the order of government closest to people’s lives, municipalities will be on the front lines of implementation as cannabis legalization becomes a reality later this year,” said Jenny Gerbasi, FCM President and Deputy Mayor of the City of Winnipeg. “It’s going to take a concerted effort from all levels of government to make this work, and municipalities are willing partners in ensuring that Canadians will be safe and well-served throughout this process.”
From land use management to business licensing to regulating public consumption, legalizing cannabis is expected to involve multiple municipal departments. Developing the rules and capacity in these departments in advance of legalization remains a top priority for Saskatchewan municipalities.
“With the legalization of cannabis imminent, rural municipalities have many unanswered questions,” said SARM President Ray Orb. “The Guide should assist municipalities in filling this information gap.”
“The Municipal Guide to Cannabis Legalization is a key tool for Saskatchewan hometowns as they prepare for cannabis legalization,” said Gordon Barnhart, SUMA President. “Not only does this guide describe the work ahead for municipalities, but it also offers some direction and options for how to move forward.”
More information about the Municipal Guide to Cannabis Legalization and FCM’s work on cannabis legalization can be found here.
-30-For more information, please contact: SUMA SARM FCM Media Relations Sean McKenzie Jay Meyer (613) 907-6395Senior Policy Advisor Executive Director media@fcm.ca(306) 525-4388 (306) 761-3721
