Skip to content

Concerns arise over legalized marijuana

Liberal MPP Bill Mauro hosted an open house on Friday to discuss the provincial reaction to federal pot legislation scheduled to be enacted on July 1.
Bill Mauro
Bill Mauro discusses marijuana legalization on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 at the Da Vinci Centre in Thunder Bay. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com)

THUNDER BAY – Reaction was mixed on Friday when local Liberal MPP Bill Mauro held an open house to discuss the province’s reaction to the federal government’s pending plan to legalize marijuana on July 1.

While many in attendance are taking a cautious approach to the new legislation, others, like Keith Ritchie, were adamant the province should have stood up to Ottawa and completely opposed the ideas in the first place.

Ritchie said he spent 15 to 20 years trying to keep drugs out of the hands of his children and is afraid he won’t be able to offer the same protection to his grandchildren.

“Any parents here don’t want their parents to have drugs,” Ritchie said, addressing the crowd of about 30 that showed up at the Da Vinci Centre.

“It’s pot now, now, thanks to our pothead prime minister – and yes, you can blame the feds if you want. But what’s next, cocaine? There’s a problem here. You guys don’t know what you’re doing.”

Mauro was quick to point out Ontario has actually strengthened federal guidelines, which allow youth between 12 and 18 to possess up to five grams of marijuana without fear of criminal prosecution, with a zero-tolerance policy.

He also said they’re reacting to Ottawa’s decision and are not advocating marijuana use by anyone.

“I don’t think we should interpret legalization with endorsement of use,” said Mauro, who noted 75 per cent of the revenue generated will be given to the provinces, adding a portion of the money will be distributed to municipalities.

The long-time Queen’s Park representative said the province is aware there are issues surrounding enforcement, particularly when it comes to impaired driving, but they’re working with OPP and local police services to come up with a solution.

It’s a concern for Neebing Coun. Linda Rydholm, who isn’t convinced there is an easy fix.

“I would hope there would be some upfront money provided to the municipal forces and the provincial forces,” Rydholm said.

“My friends down in southern Ontario have been doing some costing. They say that it’s 50 cents for the breathalyzer test for alcohol levels. It’s $40 for the throat swab test for marijuana or cannabis levels. That’s quite a cost for whatever enforcement agencies will be doing the testing.”

Jeff Upton, the public chair of the Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Council and the education officer at Lakehead Public Schools, said he’s encouraged the province is moving in the right direction.

“From an education point of view, we’re happy they’re taking some proactive steps around the Education Act, that they’re very focused around children and youth safety, with regards to this and that they’re taking steps that will keep cannabis away from children on youth,” Upton said.

“And on the positive side, they’re putting in diversions, they’re putting in treatment and they’re putting in education steps for children and youth who do get involved with cannabis use.”

Mauro said the goal is to restrict access by taking away the need for a black market, which currently has a corner on Canada’s $7-billion marijuana market.



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
Read more



push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks