Will the populist bandwagon roll on in Canada?
OTTAWA—Populism in its various modern forms has been altering the global political picture for several decades. Its presence has grown rapidly in the last 20 years and has recently been the modus operandi of powerful office holders in about two dozen countries, according to a study by the Institute for Global Change. Once a phenomenon […]
Edible pot regulations a ‘start,’ says industry ahead of consultations
As they prepare to sit down with government officials to talk about cannabis edibles, industry stakeholders say the regulations already proposed offer a path forward, but there is still some cause for concern. “It’s a start,” said Ivan Ross Vrána, vice-president of public affairs at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, whose clients include cannabis companies The Green Organic […]
Blunt talk: Liberals dropped the ball on legalization
It’s been nearly three months since the legalization of cannabis, and there is much to be concerned about. Many of these concerns were highlighted to the government before legalization, on Oct. 17, 2018, while some are new. While legalization through Bill C-45 was still under consideration in the House of Commons and the Senate, concerns […]
Liberal promises on Indigenous relationship ring hollow to activists, experts as protests continue
Protest actions, like the ones that spread across the country and internationally in support of the Unist’ot’en camp in northern British Columbia this month, may not sway the hearts and minds of the general electorate about the government’s record on Indigenous issues come election day, says a pollster. But according to experts and First Nations […]
Legalization lessons from the municipal front lines
Legalizing non-medical cannabis has been a significant challenge for every order of government. Municipalities’ practical experience with legalization also underscores the need to modernize how governments work together to benefit the Canadians we all serve. This is a big national commitment. And such commitments often require extensive local implementation. When Ottawa commits to generate growth […]
Better education needed to warn youth of weed risks
The legalization of recreational marijuana on Oct. 17, 2018 was a popular move. The legislation’s attraction stems from the perceived advantages of legalization: getting organized crime out of the marijuana business, removing the heavy hand of the criminal justice system from large sections of the population, especially minors, and the proper regulation and control of […]
Feds should snuff out excise tax on medical cannabis
The legalization of cannabis is a remarkable accomplishment of the current government. Ending nearly a century of cannabis prohibition in Canada was a fundamental policy change. Although it was not universally supported, it was the right decision and it is precipitating an evolution in global cannabis policy. The classic advice given to new cannabis consumers […]
Protecting the health and safety of Canadians remains our top priority
On Oct. 17, 2018, after extensive consultations with Canadians, study and input from Parliamentarians, and close collaboration with other levels of government, Indigenous organizations, experts and stakeholders, the government of Canada brought the Cannabis Act into force. The legislation delivers on our promise to establish a strict legal framework for the production, distribution, sale and […]
Unions praise Brison, optimistic about ‘results-oriented’ Philpott heading Treasury Board
Newly minted Treasury Board President Jane Philpott will have big shoes to fill following Scott Brison’s tenure, say public service observers, but they seem confident she is up to the task. Ms. Philpott (Markham-Stouffville, Ont.) was named to the job in a cabinet shuffle Jan. 14, following Mr. Brison’s (Kings-Hants, N.S.) resignation from cabinet and […]
Legalizing pot will not weed out organized crime
On Oct. 17, 2018, the Canadian government legalized the possession and use of recreational marijuana for persons over the age of 18. The government’s stated rationale was, in part, “to keep profits from going into the pockets of criminal organizations and street gangs.” One analog is Canada’s cigarette industry, which continues to fight an uphill […]
