RE:Proposed Delay od Cannabis Legalization:spurwing2 wrote: NEWS RELEASE
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples
Delay cannabis legalization to ensure adequate Indigenous consultations
May 1, 2018
Ottawa – Implementation of Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, should be delayed by as much as a year because the federal government has not adequately consulted with Indigenous peoples, the Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples said Tuesday.
The committee recommends that the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology amend the bill to allow time for First Nations, Inuit and Mtis communities to negotiate with the federal government about appropriate tax collection on revenue generated by cannabis produced on First Nations land and to produce culturally specific and linguistically appropriate education materials about cannabis.
The government should also substantially increase funding for mental health and addictions programs that serve Indigenous people and communities, the committee said.
Indigenous peoples have the inherent right of self-determination, including the appropriate law-making authority to make meaningful decisions that affect the lives of their people and communities, including regulating cannabis.
The committee was authorized to study Bill C-45 as it relates to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. A wide range of witnesses testified about the lack of proper consultations, the need for culturally specific mental health and addictions services and the desire of Indigenous communities to fully participate in the economic opportunities that the legalization of cannabis provides.
With regard to the latter, the committee recommends amending the bill to prescribe that the federal health minister reserve at least 20% of cannabis production licences for producers on lands under the jurisdiction or ownership of Indigenous governments.
The committee also makes eight policy recommendations to the federal government and requests immediate action and a government response without delay.
Quick Facts
- The Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples heard from a diverse group of 23 witnesses over five meetings.
- The committee’s report will be reviewed by the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology during its study of the Bill C-45.
- The Senate committees on National Security and Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Legal and Constitutional Affairs have also studied aspects of the bill.
Quotes
“Indigenous peoples are entitled to a say in how the government implements the legalization of cannabis. They have expressed real concerns to us — the potential for increased harmful effects on indigenous communities on the one hand, and the possibility of losing out on economic opportunities on the other. We must address these issues.”
- Senator Lillian Eva Dyck, Chair of the committee.
“The government claims consultation with Indigenous groups was adequate — the people we heard from said otherwise. Representatives of Indigenous communities from across the country told us they are not ready. We listened. The government should too.”
- Senator Scott Tannas, Deputy Chair of the committee.
Shouldn't the "taxation" of production on their reserves already be in place prior to build in the facility? Either they cut deals with producer or they don't. Maybe thats want they are fishing for here? Production committed and possibly jobs for them. I don't have an issue with this. Such say so then. I am pretty sure that the change in tune from Quebec last fall was influenced by the builds that were announced by several LP's.
As far as funding for lanuage diveristy in educational materials. We are already doing 2, why not more? We live in an age where those options are relatively easy and cheap.
Funding for mental health and additiction. FOR SURE. But not specifically for natives. The diversion of funds from fighting the "war on drugs" and taxation towards these soceity beneficial services is part of the point. For everyone!! Separating this by race is racist.
I agree with their right to make laws for them. No problem. On the res make all the laws you want. Just enforce them. The rest of Canada realizes that they can't fight this anymore and the idea people are in jail for this is exhausting the system with not progress.
As far as addistion goes. There is massive drug and alcohol problem on reserves, no doubt. MJ is being proving to assist in the treatment of some of the much harsher and detrimental drugs. Opiods, lots of info to google. Maybe ONLY medical is available on the res for now? Let them follow at their pace on the res.
They then go on to claim some group that supports their concerns. Not naming anyone. Kinda like saying "I have an army of thousands just over that hill, no i can't show them to you right now". They spoke to a grand total of 23 people. Thats it. Apparently that 23 rep all natives let alone Canadians. I can find 23 people from any demographic to make all kinds of demands. There are at least 23 natives that rep other natives that support this as well. This kind of arguement never ends. Not to mention the last sentence is a request for economic inclusion/benefit.
Asking for 20% of liscenses is silly. Apply for what they want. Nobody should get anything assured. Compete like everyone else. Although it would put a cap on this and I am already in, so maybe this works for me, LOL. Under the right situation and argeement I could see ACB setting up a shop on res land. If they can get cheap power, water, labour and land, why not? Maybe AuroraPRO?? They are free to take part in any way they want. They could even just invest if they wanted to.
8 reccommendations, ok. They have been heard.
I like the progression of committees. Sort of makes sense as far as a last review and tweak. I am positive at least one gem will come out of this that will make our "Canadian" process worth it. SO drawn out.