Premiers Talk Weed, Its Taxes, Deadlines and Tackle Big Questions Ahead of July '18 Fed Legislation.

Wednesday, 19 July 2017 09:15

Premier Sandy Silver at Council of the Federation Meetings. Photo: Dan Jones

YT Premier Silver says rate and split on taxes for marijuana need to be worked out, as to does an education plan.

EDMONTON-While at least one Premier is open to an extension in delaying the incoming federal marijuana legislation and another Premier not objecting to the extension idea, other leaders see the July 1, 2018 deadline as a game of “Hide and Seek…Ready or Not Here It Comes."

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver says the provinces and territories must be ready by next July because if they’re not those citizens not under that legislation will be able to get marijuana through the mail. “If a jurisdiction doesn’t it will be to their own debarment. The federal government has said, if you’re not ready with your legislation, it will be federally legal, and anybody in your jurisdiction will be able to get their product in the mail.”

Silver says the Yukon is working to develop their legislation by the July hard deadline. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley described meeting Ottawa’s hard deadline as a challenge, but New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant views the legislation as a boost to the economy, but also wanting the social issues addressed.

But the Premiers Wednesday are expected talk about the rate of taxation and split on marijuana, as Silver says there are few options, either a “50-50” or “25-75” split. “We have to have the conversations on the split on the taxes and we have to have the conversations on the rate of taxes.” The rate in which weed will be taxed needs to be carefully calculated as Silver says taxing too high may not decrease the illegal market.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister wants a one-year extension and has raised the social ills of legalizing marijuana, but Silver is a believer that education is could help mitigate these concerns. “We have to make sure the communication is there for education, that’s a big piece for me, the education piece. The social issues as well. It’s debatable as to whether or not legalization is going to increase use, but we have to be prepared for all variables, prepared for all options. We’re working on that legislative piece and that education piece.” But Silver reiterated that there are a lot more question than answers at this point.

(Dan Jones July 19, 2018)