TAMRMS#: B06
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Cannabis Funding
Presented by: Kevin Scoble, City Manager
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
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That up to $50,000 be committed from the Stabilization Fund for one-time public engagement and awareness expenses related to the legalization of cannabis.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To secure an initial budget approval for one-time public engagement and awareness costs related to the municipal activities associated with the legalization of cannabis.
COUNCIL DIRECTION
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BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The federal government intends to enact legislation (Bill C-45 and C-46) that would legalize cannabis across the country with a new estimated enactment date of September 2018. All orders of government must prepare to ensure that all regulations, laws and by-laws are in place for by this date. The federal legislation allows provinces and territories the latitude to develop their own rules and regulations for the distribution and consumption of fresh or dried cannabis, cannabis oil, plants and seeds.
As indicated in the task force presentation to the Governance, Priorities and Finance Committee in January 2018, there will be hard costs associated with the activities required to ensure the City is prepared as at the legalization date. An interim one-time budget of $50,000 is being requested at this time to support some of these initial activities to engage the public in policy development for Council’s consideration and inform the public on the legalization of cannabis, as it pertains to St. Albert and its residents and businesses including:
$35,000 for public participation (including resident survey, business community consultation and Citizen world café)
$10,000 for public education (including information sessions, Utility bill inserts, various advertising venues)
$5,000 for miscellaneous/contingency
$50,000
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The City of St. Albert has established a Cannabis Task Force to assist in coordinating ...
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