At a news conference today, MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky applauded the Ontario government for their newly announced plan to distribute and sell marijuana in stand-alone stores overseen by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).
“Ontario, along with provinces like New Brunswick who is also leaning toward this route, have obviously done their research,” Gawronsky said. “Study after study tells us that selling marijuana publicly is more effective in protecting public health and safety, not to mention ensuring that profits are invested right back into public services.”
A recent poll showed that Manitobans agree. Two out of every three of us (65%) think marijuana products should be sold through government-owned and managed stores, similar to Liquor Marts.
Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (Canada), the Chief Medical Officers of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health are all also strong advocates for a publicly owned and operated system.
“Right now, our provincial government has some decisions to make,’ Gawronsky said, “and I’m optimistic they’re ready to engage in a sensible and informed debate. I know the Premier has said in the past that when it comes to marijuana sales, he is seriously considering what role the public system must play.”
According to the Ontario Finance Minister, Charles Sousa: “When it comes to retail distribution, the LCBO has the expertise, the experience, and the insight to ensure careful control of cannabis, helping us to discourage illicit market activity and see that illegal dispensaries are shut down.”
Gawronsky added there’s no reason to re-invent the wheel here in Manitoba either.
“We’ve told the government from the beginning that our own Manitoba Liquor Commission has the know-how and the track record to ensure marijuana sales in our province are carried out safely and responsibly.”