Justice and Public Safety
April 13, 2017

Provincial Government Commits to Working with Federal Government to Implement Cannabis Legislation

The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

“The legalization of cannabis is a significant public health and safety issue that fundamentally impacts Newfoundland and Labrador. We are pleased to see the federal legislation and look forward to working with our provincial, territorial and federal colleagues to develop legislation and regulations for this province. We have a working group that involves representatives from all government departments impacted by the federal legislation.

“Our next step is to engage in public consultations and work with stakeholders to look at all aspects of legalization including distribution, regulation and potential economic benefits to the province. Those consultations are expected to begin in the very near future.

“Our primary objectives are to keep cannabis out of the hands of our children, keep the profits from the sale of these drugs out of the pockets of criminals and ensure that public safety is not compromised. Prohibition is not working. We agree with the Federal Government that there must be a better way.

“I can assure the public that Newfoundland and Labrador has done considerable work around the legalization of cannabis and we will absolutely be ready when the federal legislation and regulations comes into force. I look forward to discussing all aspects of this issue with residents, stakeholders and my colleagues around the Cabinet table and in the House of Assembly in the coming weeks and months.”

- 30 -

Media contact:

Lesley Clarke Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 699-2910 LesleyClarke@gov.nl.ca

2017 04 13                              4:10 p.m.