Mi’kmaq chiefs and a former provincial justice minister are criticizing the Nova Scotia government for directing police to crackdown on illegal cannabis.
Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Michelle Glasgow says in a letter she and her council are “appalled” by the province’s directive, which she calls a direct threat to their communities’ safety.
On Thursday, Justice Minister Scott Armstrong called on all Nova Scotia police agencies to prioritize cannabis enforcement by identifying and disrupting illegal operations and distribution networks.
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Armstrong also wrote to 13 Mi’kmaq chiefs requesting their co-operation as they tackle illegal cannabis sales.
Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq, also known as the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, say they are disappointed by Nova Scotia’s apparent lack of understanding of treaty rights and their right to self-determination.
Nova Scotia’s former justice minister and attorney general who now sits as an independent member of legislature says the province is undermining its relationship with Mi’kmaq communities while missing out on the opportunity to support small business in rural communities through expanded cannabis regulation.
Becky Druhan also says the province should be expanding regulations to deal with illegal cannabis, instead of ramping up enforcement.
Provincial law strictly controls the sale of cannabis, which is done through Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. outlets.
The province says there are 51 legal cannabis outlets across the province, one of which is located on an Indigenous reserve, and at least 118 illegal ones.
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