Today marks the opening of the week-long, annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria where city government officials from across the province are expected to vote on several cannabis legalization resolutions.
Last year’s meeting saw delegates vote in favour of a resolution that stated local governments have the authority to regulate cannabis dispensaries, despite federal opposition.
With legalization now on the horizon, representatives are looking for more communication and revenue from the federal government.
A resolution from the city of Nelson asks for Ottawa to consult with cities before establishing any new cannabis regulations.
Mayor Deb Kozak said it’s the local governments that will ultimately have to deal with legal cannabis, though business licensing and regional policing.
The mayor of Duncan is also asking for a share of any tax revenue generated by legalization, something the city voted to press for earlier in the year.
Duncan mayor Phil Kent said legalization will end up costing cities and wants the money made off of its sale put back into local government.
Kozak said U.S. states that have legalized have seen a tremendous amount of money through taxation that could be used to pay for community services.