June 7, 2018
Joint statement by the minister of Justice of the Government of Manitoba and the minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie of the Government of Quebec on homegrown cannabis
QUEBEC, June 7, 2018—Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson and Quebec Minister of Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie Jean-Marc Fournier issued the following joint statement today:
“The federal government took a decision, based on its legislative authority over matters of criminal law, to present a piece of legislation that decriminalizes and legalizes cannabis.
This decision of the federal government has created a new legislative space where it is up to the provinces to determine some aspects, such as production and marketing, in accordance with the unique circumstances and perspective of that province.
As did all other provinces, Manitoba and Quebec assumed their responsibilities while fully respecting the federal parliament’s legislative powers.
Manitoba and Quebec expect mutual respect from the federal government for the exercise of their own legislative powers.
It is up to the provinces to regulate the cultivation of cannabis, which is what Manitoba and Quebec are doing by allowing cultivation by accredited producers but restricting home cannabis production.
Once entered into force, the pieces of legislation put forward by the governments of Manitoba and Quebec will apply. As a consequence, in each of these two provinces, the cultivation of any cannabis plant at home will be prohibited in order to respect both provincial and federal laws. Since these laws are compatible, it will be possible to respect the provincial provisions without breaching the federal ones.
Ottawa has an opportunity to dispel the confusion surrounding this matter and to prevent Canadians from needless and costly legal challenges by accepting the amendment proposed by the Senate today.
This would show respect to provincial jurisdiction in this matter and the legislation Quebec and Manitoba have introduced to protect youth and other vulnerable persons, and to counter the black market, in the interest of public health and safety.
All three governments share these objectives.
We urge the federal government to hear the Senate’s voice in order to avoid burdening citizens with the costs generated by unnecessary court challenges.”
Heather Stefanson, minister of Justice, Government of Manitoba
Jean-Marc Fournier, minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie, Government of Québec
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The Province of Manitoba is issuing this joint statement on behalf of the governments of Manitoba and Quebec.