New Manitoba bills would place restrictions on cannabis, let rural vendors sell cider, coolers

A new provincial bill proposes to prohibit Manitobans from carrying more than 30 grams of cannabis in a public place.

In addition to the pot possession limit, the cannabis control bill would also prohibit anyone from possessing the drug without proper federally regulated packaging.

“(This) reinforces Manitoba’s commitment to protect the health and safety of Manitobans and prevent illegal cannabis sales,” said Justice Minister Cliff Cullen, as he introduced the bill.

Cullen told reporters there have been incidents of individuals carrying too much cannabis, legal or otherwise, which he believes underlines the need for a clear limit.

“This really speaks to the health and safety of Manitobans … This will allow our provincial officials to have enforcement here in Manitoba,”he said.

The minister said the bill’s passage would allow taxation officials and police officers to enforce the rule.

The majority Progressive Conservative government introduced five other new bills at the Manitoba Legislature on Monday.

The governing party has enough seats to pass those bills but could choose to postpone or amend the legislation, if it wishes to do so.

Another bill introduced Monday proposes to allow rural beer vendors to sell cider and coolers.

“This initiative is part of our government’s priority to reduce red tape, to provide more choices and convenience for the consumer and greater opportunity and flexibility for businesses,” said Crown services minister Colleen Mayer, as she introduced the proposed change.

Mayer said Winnipeg beer vendors already had the option to sell such products.

On top of those proposed changes to the liquor and cannabis act, the Tories also proposed the following bills:

– Labour Relations Amendment Act: Would move conciliation and grievance mediation functions to the private sector.

– Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act: Would raise several maximum fines for offences, doubling the penalty for some of them.

– The Police Services Amendment Act: Would create an “institutional safety officer” designation, that would allow security staff at hospitals, post-secondary institutions and other government agencies to detain people under certain circumstances. Many details of that power are set to be spelled out in future regulations.

– Reducing Red Tape and Improving Services Act: Moves to amend or repeal multiple acts and regulations to “reduce or eliminate regulatory requirements and improve services.” This latest red-tape legislation would allow nurse practitioners to complete death certificates and remove an annual requirement that the education minister meet with the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils, among several other changes. It would also establish July 1 as a “fixed statutory holiday,” which would let businesses close on that day, rather than July 2, when Canada Day falls on a Sunday.

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