Provincial funding for weed legalization not enough says GP Mayor

Oct 18, 2018 | 5:15 AM

The Alberta government has put aside some funds for a Municipal Cannabis Transition Program.

Municipalities will be able to apply for a portion of $11.2-million over a two-year period to replenish the amount spent on preparing for weed legalization.

Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given says he is happy with the recognition but disappointed at the overall amount.

“I am also disappointed that it is application based. Municipalities didn’t get to apply to have cannabis retail or have cannabis legalized in the country, it was imposed on us,” says Given.

“There is really a principal here. When another order of government imposes what will ultimately lead to costs for municipalities, that order of government should follow up with appropriate funding to meet those new responsibilities.”

He says the cost of legalization for Grande Prairie has been “well in excess” of $100,000. In his understanding of the allocation formula, the city would end up with less than that amount.

“I think there is work for us to do across the province to make sure that the government of Alberta recognizes that municipalities need to have adequate funding on an ongoing basis,” he says.

Sixty per cent of the provincial dollars will go to applicants this year and the rest next year. Municipalities will populations over 5,000 that pay for their own policing will receive a base level of funding. Additional dollars will be given to communities for other costs outlined in their applications.

by Justine Kelsie