Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says a decision on retail cannabis sales from municipalities is best done sooner rather than later.
Fedeli made it clear following last week’s cannabis consultation in North Bay that discussions by municipal governments should take place immediately following the October 22 elections. “If their December meeting was going to be ceremonial then certainly, they might want to look at an agenda item.”
Fedeli added, “Their very first meeting in January, we need a decision.”
It seems North Bay’s politicians are ready for those discussions to take place in what would be one of the last major decisions made by the current council.
Up for discussion is whether North Bay will opt in or out when it comes to selling cannabis in retail locations. Municipal officials learned at the consultation session that North Bay can opt out of the drug program initially and opt back in at a later time. If a municipality is part of the program at the outset then opts out later, it cannot rejoin in the future.
Fedeli says those decisions must be made by the new year to give retailers and the government ample time to make preparations before April 1, when private retail sales will launch.
Following last week’s consultation with municipal stakeholders on cannabis legalization, MPP Vic Fedeli suggested a motion could be tabled at the September 4 regular meeting to address the direction the cannabis issue will take in North Bay. According to Fedeli, the motion already has a mover and a seconder.
