For Immediate Release
December 11th, 2017
Mississauga Requests a Share of Cannabis Revenue: Mayor Crombie
The provincial government has directed that the City of Mississauga will be home to one new Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC) retail store which will open in July 2018. The following is a statement by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie on the issue of oversight and management of cannabis distribution and sales:
“Mississauga Council and staff are requesting that the provincial and federal governments work together to provide greater clarity on the amount of revenue that will be given to municipalities from the federal excise tax on cannabis. Cities, like Mississauga, will face cost pressures associated with the legalization of cannabis, including zoning, by-law enforcement, licencing, public health, and policing, to name a few.
“To date there has not yet been a formal commitment to the amount of revenue that will be shared with municipalities. This is concerning as municipalities across Canada work to prepare for the rapidly approaching July 2018 legalization date.
“Minister Morneau and Minister Sousa are meeting to discuss the issue of cannabis legalization. During these discussions, I urge the provincial and federal governments to come to an agreement that will ensure a greater share of revenue for the provinces to pass along a fair share to municipalities. I agree with the FCM position of a 1/3-1/3-1/3, federal, provincial, municipal revenue sharing model that will give municipalities our fair share.
“Council and staff are committed to ensuring the responsible regulation, distribution and oversite of cannabis. We must also do everything we can to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public and especially children and young people. We will work with Peel Regional Police and front-line officers to combat any anticipated problems that will result from the sale of cannabis.”
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