via the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

In April 2017, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45 (the Cannabis Act) and Bill C-46 (the Act to amend the Criminal Code) with plans to make non-medical (i.e. recreational) cannabis legal in Canada by July 2018.

The bill received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, meaning that it has officially passed Parliament. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that recreational cannabis will be legal in Canada on October 17, 2018.

While the proposed Cannabis Act provides an overall framework for cannabis legalization and regulation, it also provides authorities for all levels of government. Generally, the Cannabis Act provides authority for the Federal government to regulate commercial cultivation, processing, and sales (by phone or online), with Federal licences required for these activities. Provincial governments will have authority to establish age limits, wholesale and retail distribution models, among others. Local governments will have authority to regulate certain aspects like retail location and rules, regulatory compliance, public consumption, and land use/zoning.

As such, local governments are preparing for cannabis legalization through regulatory updates.

Public Feedback on Cannabis Regulations

The SLRD is seeking feedback from the public on the areas that local governments can regulate.

This input will help the SLRD develop and implement regulations (following the legalization of cannabis) to best meet the communities’ desires and also achieve objectives established by the federal and provincial governments.

Take the 5-minute online survey!

• Download a paper copy of the survey
  • Completed surveys can be returned to the attention of the SLRD Planning Department:
    • By email: planning@slrd.bc.ca
    • By fax: (604) 894-6526
    • By mail: PO Box 219, Pemberton, BC  V0N 2L0
    • In person: 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton, BC

Learn more:

For more information about what the SLRD is doing to prepare for cannabis legalization, related staff reports, and links to various provincial resources, visit the Cannabis Regulations Project page.