Sign up for the larongeNOW newsletter

Meeting set with SLGA to discuss cannabis legalization

Feb 8, 2018 | 4:00 PM

With the legalization of marijuana looming closer, La Ronge Deputy-Mayor Glen Watchel said it’s unfortunate there weren’t more details about the province’s plan at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA)’s annual convention this week.

“I thought we’d come back with a lot more information than we did, but they’re making it up as they go,” he said. “That’s unfortunate.”

When members of the La Ronge council left for Regina earlier this week, they wanted a better idea of how the government will spend the tax revenue from cannabis, as well as whether a municipal tax on the product would be possible. Watchel said there were no answers to those questions, but a meeting has been scheduled later this month between the town, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority to discuss the issue further.

“I don’t know much more than I knew before I went,” he said.

Watchel went on to say council has until the end of the month to decide whether they’ll approve a retail cannabis permit for the town. The LLRIB also received a permit to open a store, but leadership there have yet to make a decision as well. The band launched a survey last month to gain feedback from members and the initiative wrapped up Feb. 5.

La Ronge Council was also able to attend a variety of presentations, Watchel said, and met with some ministers. He noted the overall message was there isn’t an abundance of money, and the province will have some tough decisions to make ahead of the next budget.

“There wasn’t a whole bunch of promises,” Watchel said. “They’re trying to make the best out of each buck.”

 

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @saskjourno