QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner, MPP for Guelph, released the following statement about plans to move from a lottery system to an open allocation model for cannabis retail:
“I am encouraged that the government is moving to an open allocation model rather than their ineffective lottery system that is failing to make even a dent in the unsafe, illegal market.
It is unacceptable that Canada’s largest province has just 24 brick-and-mortar shops in operation while Alberta has approved over 300 stores.
Notwithstanding the supply issues, this government was clearly not ready for the roll-out of private cannabis sales.
It is disappointing that the Premier was so preoccupied with ripping up energy contracts and cutting public services that he completely dropped the ball on legal cannabis.
But now they have a chance to get it right.
I support moving forward in a thoughtful and prudent way to license and regulate as many stores as needed to eliminate the unsafe, underground illegal market.
The ultimate goal must be to move consumers over to the legal system so that we can protect public health and safety.”