Cannabis Legislation Changes Did Not Include First Nation Consultation – Day
THUNDER BAY – Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day says that there was no consultation with Chiefs of Ontario or with First Nations as Ontario moved toward implementing the legalization of cannabis. The scheduled changes to federal legislation are in five months, and Chief Day says that there is a lot of work to be done before that date.
Chief Day spoke with Amanda Perreault on this issue. Chief Day has taken on a national role on this issue with the Assembly of First Nations.
The Ontario Regional Chief says that Ontario “Bypassed us” on this issue.
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Winter Chief’s Assembly held a session on this issue during meetings in Thunder Bay.
The impact on the developing mind is proven says Day. “How young will children begin to use cannabis now that it is legal.
Day says that the impact of the legalization of cannabis will also have an impact on ceremony and culture as well.
“The issue of economic impact, the seventy-five / twenty-five percent income split excludes First Nations,” states Day. “The funding split from marijuana taxation does not include First Nations.”
There are some serious issues with drug abuse in many northern communities. Mushkeguwuk Tribal Council has declared a state of emergency over illegal drugs in their member communities.
The Ontario Regional Chief says there is still a lot of work to be done and only a very short time to do it.
