The Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) has insisted that local governments have the tools necessary to enforce regulations surrounding the iminent legalization of cannabis for recreational use. Speaking to a Les Affaires forum on the cannabis market in Montreal Tuesday, the UMQ President and Mayor of Drummondville, Alexandre Cusson, pointed out that the legalization of cannabis requires the involvement of several municipal jurisdictions for its implementation and that municipalities must have the autonomy necessary to fulfill their role. "Local governments are taking responsibility for the legalization of cannabis”, Cusson said. “It is essential that the legal framework that’s adopted respects their autonomy, especially in the choice of public places where consuming cannabis will be allowed on their territory." Under the Municipal Powers Act, municipalities can adopt peace and order regulations to ensure the well-being of citizens, particularly with respect to the consumption of alcohol on public property. As a result, they can determine the outdoor public places (streets, sidewalks, parks, etc.) where the consumption of cannabis will be allowed or prohibited. The UMQ particularly emphasized that aspect in the context of the detailed study of Bill 157 when it presented its brief last December before the parliamentary committee. See full story in the Wednesday, April 11th edition of The Record.
UMQ emphasizes municipal role in cannabis regulation
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