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As that promised legalization date of Canada Day 2018 gets closer, more and more is being done with regards to regulations behind the legal sale of marijuana.
Now, a joint provincial-local government committee that will consider policies related to marijuana legalization and regulation in B.C. is set to begin meeting on Friday.
The committee on cannabis regulation was announced by Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnsworth at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention in September.
Their purpose is to provide a forum for communication and consultation so that the province considers local government input while developing the regulatory framework for legalized marijuana.
"It goes without saying that local government will be on the frontline and instrumental in the delivery of new policies and laws associated with the legalization of non-medical cannabis in British Columbia," Farnworth said.
"We welcome and value the UBCM’s input as we build a framework for the province focused on protecting young people, health and safety, keeping the criminal element out of cannabis and keeping our roads safe."
UBCM has appointed 12 representatives to the committee, drawn from elected officials, specialized staff and senior staff.
"Local governments welcome the opportunity to work with the Province as it develops a framework for cannabis legalization in B.C.," said UBCM President Wendy Booth.
"There are a lot of details to be considered in a short period of time. We want to ensure that the resulting policies are practical and workable for communities in British Columbia, and leave room for local decision-making."
The following UBCM members will be a part of the committee:
- Wendy Booth, director, Regional District of East Kootenay
- Kerry Jang, councillor, City of Vancouver
- Maya Tait, mayor, District of Sooke
- Brian Frenkel, councillor, District of Vanderhoof
- Chris Coates, clerk, City of Victoria
- Kevin Cormack, chief administrative officer, City of Nelson
- Kathryn Holm, chief licence inspector, City of Vancouver
- Dave Jones, business license inspector, City of Kamloops
- Peter Monteith, chief administrative officer, City of Chilliwack
- Terry Waterhouse, director of public safety, City of Surrey
- Ian Wells, general manager, planning and development, City of Prince George
- Gary MacIsaac, executive director, Union of B.C. Municipalities
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