Councillor Ron Paull, who led a discussion about the legalization of cannabis and taxation revenues at the Nov. 21 Quesnel council meeting, noted the consultation process ends Dec. 7.
“If we’re following the media, all of the talk has been about the fact the federal government and the provincial government will share the tax proceeds from the sale of cannabis 50/50. And I say, ‘what about us?’”
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is looking into the situation, he said, adding he’s not sure where the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is on it.
Paull said he would like to make a motion that “we send a letter to the Revenue minister to remind that minister that 60 per cent of Canadians live in cities and communities, and that’s where recreational cannabis will be sold and consumed.
“And the responsibility will fall to the local governments for amending, administering and enforcing zoning density bylaws along with the rules regarding smoking restrictions, public nuisance, safety concerns relating to building codes, public education, retail location rules, home cultivation and public health.
“We’re going to have a lot on our plate and we deserve to have a piece of the action.”
Mayor Bob Simpson asked if there was a seconder to the motion, would Paull be OK with an amendment to writing the two ministers – federal and provincial.
Paull said he would agree with that addition with a copy sent to the FCM and UBCM.
Coun. Laurie-Anne Roodenburg said a group of UBCM representatives is meeting with the Province on an ongoing basis.
She added they are very aware of that communities are concerned about the costs that are going to be incurred.
“UBCM does have communities’ backs. There’s not a whole lot they can disclose right now because it’s still under discussion, but they do understand what you voice Councillor Paull and they’re trying to push for an agreement that works for the communities throughout B.C.”
Coun. Ed Coleman asked for clarification on the motion because there was a lot of content.
“Give us some of the money,” Simpson replied.
Coleman wanted to know if it was a one-third, one-third, one-third sharing among the federal, provincial and municipal governments, as had been discussed at a previous council meeting.
“I have a habit of editorializing quite heavily on my motions, but basically the motion is to ask the ministers responsible to not forget about municipalities to where much of the cost will accrue,” Paull said.
Simpson said he thought the letter council would write could note “what you download to us needs to covered on a proportional level for the burden we’re going to bear on this.
“It may not be from tax revenue … it’s a very nominal tax because they can’t over-value this product through taxation because if illegal marijuana beats it on the street it won’t work.
“So we need to be careful if we say the only revenue flow we’re going to get for all of those responsibilities is actually from the tax.
“We need fair compensation for the work that’s being put on us … but we can send a letter to that effect.”
The motion was pass unanimously.