Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

What We Heard

Economic Growth and Job Creation

Support for Private-sector Cannabis Stores

The GNWT proposed that cannabis be sold only in existing liquor stores for at least two years, with all business conducted through the Northwest Territories Liquor Commission and all expenses and revenues flowing through the Liquor Revolving Fund. The GNWT's initial consultation revealed that "preferences for the retail sales system were mixed, with little over half of survey respondents supporting the liquor commission model and others wanting opportunities for private stores or dispensaries."

However, this is not consistent with public views expressed during our tour. While a few witnesses expressed satisfaction with the Liquor Commission model, the majority of witnesses in small communities, regional centres, and Yellowknife objected to private businesses being excluded from cannabis retailing at the outset. Many residents are interested in the potential economic development and job growth that legalization may bring and are concerned that the GNWT has chosen to monopolize this opportunity. In Lutselk'e, Ms. Florence Catholique told us that: "Lutselk'e women have gotten together to deal with issues in the communities... to enhance the community, work with the youth, and protect rights. Because we knew this [hearing] was coming up, we looked at the business angle. We're looking for money to go to a cannabis workshop in Edmonton to get the details on how to run a [cannabis] business."

The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce advised that its members "strongly disagree with the proposed retail model." Their "formal position is that, if licenses are going to be issued for cannabis retail, Yellowknife entrepreneurs should have the opportunity to apply for those licenses and demonstrate that they can operate within the chosen regulatory framework." This sentiment was echoed by a representative of the NWT Chamber of Commerce, who said its members want the opportunity to get in on the recreational cannabis business from the start and are prepared to meet regulatory requirements to do so.

It is apparent that, although there are many unknowns in the emerging recreational cannabis market, many Northerners are eager to join their fellow Canadians in learning on the job. Medical cannabis consultant and advocate Ms. Kim MacNearney wrote, "the opportunity for cannabis business development in the NWT is huge and should be embraced by the GNWT, allowing it to grow in an entrepreneurial fashion."

Motion 3 and Recommendation 6 addressed this matter.

Mr. Speaker, I would now like to turn the reading of this report over to the Honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.