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“Our Canadian friends on the East Coast have taken a significant step forward for public health and safety and are showing true leadership when it comes to legalizing marijuana” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Winnipeg (26 June 2017) — The New Brunswick government has released an interim report that supports a socially responsible model for the public sale of marijuana. More specifically, it endorses the concept that sales be done through a crown corporation.
Responding on behalf of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE), Michelle Gawronsky, the MGEU President suggested the report was a model for other provinces.
“Our Canadian friends on the East Coast have taken a significant step forward for public health and safety and are showing true leadership when it comes to legalizing marijuana,” said Gawronsky. “I really hope the Manitoba Government is paying attention to the direction New Brunswick is going.”
Safety and social responsibility reasons to keep sales public
The interim report cites public safety and social responsibility as key reasons to sell the drug under a Ccrown corporation model.
Last year, the MGEU/NUPGE gathered research to produce a position paper about marijuana sales, explaining how a public sales system is more socially responsible. The union has shared this with the Manitoba Government.
Other NUPGE Components have also suggested that, if cannabis is legalized, selling it through provincial government stores is the best way to ensure public health isn’t compromised.
Governments need to have public model for sale and distribution ready before legalization
“We are pleased the Manitoba Government introduced Bill 25, The Cannabis Harm Prevention Act, but this legislation is only a baby step. The government needs to quit dragging its feet on this file while other governments are working hard to have strong policies in place so they are ready for legalization,” said Gawronsky. “If the government truly wants to ensure social responsibility, it has to implement a public model for the sale and distribution of this controlled substance.”