Before we pass this Proclamation today I would like to say a few words on this issue.
In general, I feel this council has been forced to act quickly regarding this matter. One of my main concerns about the federal legislation is that it has not given either the provinces or local municipalities enough time to deal with both the implementation and the public consultation aspects of introducing cannabis legalisation.
I’m also critical of the provincial legislation that is forcing municipalities to decide whether or not to opt in to cannabis retail distribution before January 22. I understand the province has a target of April 1stto begin opening retail cannabis locations, however municipalities should be allowed the time necessary to conduct more thorough public consultation and have their staff provide advice and recommendations that are “facts-based”, and that consider the experiences of other jurisdictions where cannabis retail has been introduced into communities similar to our own.
I am personally NOT opposed to allowing cannabis retail locations in the City of Markham.
In 2015 the people of Canada elected a new federal government that made it very clear they intended to legalise the use of recreational cannabis. The Liberals were elected and recreational cannabis legalisation was one of the few campaign promises they kept.
The people of Canada have spoken.
Among the stated intentions of the legalisation of cannabis is that taking away cannabis distribution from illicit sources and “drug dealers” would help ensure product safety and better control access by our youth – making our communities safer.
In contrast, by banning retail locations in Markham, it could be argued we are making our communities less safe. The illicit drug trade will continue to flourish here, which will not provide our residents with any assurance of product quality and it will increase the likelihood our youth will have access to cannabis and other illicit drugs.
But community safety is only one positive aspect of permitting cannabis retail in our City.
The other aspect that is often overlooked is the lifestyle choice that many residents have either made themselves or are supportive of.
Markham – and Canada, for that matter – prides itself on being an inclusive and tolerant society. We value and respect the diversity of our ethnic backgrounds, our religious believes, our gender preferences, and many other lifestyle choices individuals make.
As long as we are not harming others we are free to live our lives as we, as adults see fit. This is the foundation of what it means to be Canadian, and why so many people from all around the world want to live here.
We may not like the lifestyle choices our neighbours make, but we respect their right to make them.
Recreational cannabis use is a lifestyle choice – and it is now a legal lifestyle choice.
I am uncomfortable with the idea of imposing restrictions on the ability of our citizens to access a legal product that supports their legal lifestyle choice in our city. The restriction strikes me as somewhat punitive.
If we are as inclusive and tolerant as we say we are, we should be more accommodating to this group of citizens.
Having said all of that, as I said at the beginning of my comments, this council has been forced to make what I believe to be a rushed decision.
Since a decision to permit cannabis retail is irreversible, and a decision to not permit it is reversible I will be supporting this Proclamation – provided that Point 5) in the proclamation is amended as follows:
5) That staff report back to Markham City Council in 18 months with an update on the impact of the legalization of cannabis on the City and an overview and assessment of the experiences and effect of brick and mortar cannabis retail in other Canadian jurisdictions.
And I would like to add a 6th and 7th amendment that would read:
6) Following presentation of the staff report in 18 months, Council will reconsider whether or not to permit retail sales of cannabis within the City of Markham.
7) The City of Markham express to the Government of Ontario its concerns that provincial financial support will not be made available in the event that municipalities introduce cannabis retail options after the January 22, 2019 cut-off date.
Thank you.