Safe and Healthy Communities Committee Report November 22, 2017
Session Overview Committee Members Committee Mandate 2017 Activities Legalization of Marijuana Panel Questions
Committee Members Mayor Maryann Chichak, Town of Whitecourt, Committee Chair Councillor Dave Anderson, Strathcona County Councillor Kathy Barnhart, Town of Beaumont Councillor Buck Buchanan, City of Red Deer Councillor Patt Churchill, Town of Innisfail Mayor Melodie Stol, Town of Blackfalds Mr. Todd Becker, Town of Rocky Mountain House Mr. Alan Martens, City of Brooks Mr. Paul Schulz, City of Airdrie
2017 Committee Mandate Police funding Mental health review Legalization of marijuana Affordable housing Support for MGA
Police Funding AUMA has called on the province to implement an everyone pays model so that all municipalities share the cost of policing.
Mental Health Review Province released recommendations to improve mental health system in 2016. Budget 2017 included $80 million for mental health supports and $15 million to implement recommendations. Province is taking action on six priority recommendations. AUMA continues to participate on mental health advisory committee.
Legalization of Cannabis
Affordable Housing Federal investment of $11.2 billion over 11 years. Provincial affordable housing strategy released. AUMA participating on steering committee to guide implementation of provincial strategy.
Welcoming and Inclusive Communities A welcoming and inclusive community is one where all residents are able to participate in all aspects of the social, cultural, political and economic life of the community without fear of discrimination. Website: wic.auma.ca Email: wic@auma.ca
Other Activities
Panel: Legalization of Marijuana
Alberta Cannabis Framework AUMA Convention November 21, 2017 alberta.ca/cannabis
Cannabis Milestones Federal legislation Introduced on April 13, 2017 To be implemented by July 2018 Provincial engagement efforts phase one Initial public and stakeholder engagement began June 2, 2017 More than 45,000 Albertans participated in the online survey More than 100 organizations provided input Stakeholder tables included a dedicated municipal roundtable Draft Alberta Cannabis Framework released on October 4, 2017 alberta.ca/cannabis
Cannabis Milestones Provincial engagement efforts phase two More than 23,000 Albertans participated online and about 60 organizations made written submissions Over 190 people representing 90+ organizations participated in the draft framework stakeholder session in Edmonton on October 5 Traffic Safety Act amendments to address impaired driving introduced on November 14 Bill 29, An Act to Reduce Cannabis and Alcohol-Impaired Driving Final Alberta Cannabis Framework released and enabling legislation introduced on November 16 Bill 26, An Act to Control and Regulate Cannabis alberta.ca/cannabis
Federal Legislation alberta.ca/cannabis
Alberta Cannabis Framework Framework priorities: Keeping cannabis out of the hands of children and youth Protecting public health Promoting safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces Limiting the illegal cannabis market alberta.ca/cannabis
Cannabis Framework: Possession Minimum age: 18 years old More than three-quarters of Albertans support 18 as minimum age Consistent with legal age for alcohol and tobacco as well as federal minimum age Possession Limits: 30 grams for adults Consistent with public possession limits in all other jurisdictions Alberta will have zero tolerance for youth possession Possession of 5 grams or less will be subject to seizure, notification of parents or guardians and/or a ticket Possession over 5 grams is subject to criminal sanctions under federal legislation alberta.ca/cannabis
Cannabis Framework: Public Use Public consumption restrictions to protect children and limit second-hand exposure Smoking or vaping cannabis prohibited anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited Smoking or vaping cannabis will also be banned: On hospital grounds, school properties (both private and public), and child care facility properties Near areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds, sports or playing fields, skateboard or bicycle parks, outdoor pools, splash pads, zoos, and outdoor theatre No consumption in vehicles alberta.ca/cannabis
Cannabis Framework: Retail Private cannabis retail stores Only specialized cannabis stores No co-location with alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceuticals Retailers will need to undergo background checks Strong oversight and province-wide rules: Setback distances and hours of operation Standardized education for all retail staff, and staff must be 18 AGLC responsible for oversight, compliance and distribution Central wholesaler for all products with postage stamp pricing Will ensure only safe, legally produced products are sold in Alberta Level playing field for large and small producers alberta.ca/cannabis
Cannabis Framework: Online Sales Public online sales Albertans will be able to purchase cannabis online immediately following legalization from a public online store Alberta government will directly operate online sales, ensuring: All purchasers are of legal age Products are available even if retail outlets aren t set up in some communities Albertans can differentiate between legal and illegal online sales, ensuring secure, safe products alberta.ca/cannabis
Other work ongoing Province has introduced new tools to address drug-impaired driving and align with federal Bill C-46 License suspensions and vehicle seizures for cannabis Zero tolerance for graduated drivers license holders Working with federal government on law enforcement resources and training Alberta Labour continues to work with labour groups and employers to support workplace safety Specific measures still under consideration Any required changes will be in place by July 2018 The Government of Alberta continues to work with the federal government on an appropriate tax model alberta.ca/cannabis
Considerations for Municipalities Public consumption Planning and zoning for production and retail Timelines for legislation, regulation and bylaw development Enforcement Public education alberta.ca/cannabis
Thank you. Questions? alberta.ca/cannabis
Questions
Submit committee interest form by Friday, November 24! auma.ca/about-us/about-auma/join-committee