Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank all of the Members who are reading the report at this moment.

Recommendation 4

The Standing Committees on Government Operations and Social Development recommend that the Government of the Northwest Territories form an inter-agency working group to address cannabis-related enforcement planning.

Enforcement responsibilities were a recurring topic of discussion during our tour. Members of the public, representatives of community governments, and enforcement officials themselves raised questions and concerns. An inter-agency working group, potentially including GNWT inspectors and environmental health officers, municipal enforcement, the RCMP, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, and other parties as needed, could ensure that the new laws are clearly communicated. Such a working group could also encourage discussion and information-sharing, and provide additional support to communities with limited resources.

Recommendation 5

The Standing Committees on Government Operations and Social Development recommend that the Government of the Northwest Territories work with the Government of Canada and other government partners to resolve outstanding questions on record suspensions for offences related to cannabis possession.

We recognize that the federal government is responsible for administering record suspension, but we feel strongly that the territorial government must engage its federal counterparts on this matter.

Recommendation 6

The Standing Committees on Government Operations and Social Development recommend that the Government of the Northwest Territories develop economic development programs to support northern entrepreneurship related to cannabis sale and production.

The GNWT administers several strong and successful programs to support entrepreneurs and community economic development, including the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) policy. We heard repeatedly that Northerners are eager to pursue the economic benefits of legalization. Targeted programs addressing cannabis-specific planning and programming would help local businesses, and the territorial economy, to grow and thrive.

Recommendation 7

The Standing Committees on Government Operations and Social Development recommend that the Government of the Northwest Territories consider specific spending targets for the distribution of cannabis-related revenues aimed at public education, public awareness, and public health research related to cannabis use; and that the Liquor Commission report on cannabis sales in its annual report.

To address the revenue-related concerns we heard during our tour, we investigated options to amend Bill 6 to specify that cannabis revenue be targeted to specific expenditures in a manner similar to the disposition of territorial lottery revenue. However, the committees' legal counsel advised that an amendment of this nature would be out of bounds because it is the government's exclusive privilege to propose how to spend its revenues.

Nevertheless, we hear and support residents' calls for targeted investment by the GNWT in matters of public concern related to cannabis use. With this recommendation, we urge the GNWT to take action.

Recommendation 8

The Standing Committees on Government Operations and Social Development recommend that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.

Conclusion

The Standing Committees on Government Operations and Social Development thank everyone involved in the review of this bill, with particular thanks to those who provided their input and recommendations. All committee reports and public submissions are available online at the Legislative Assembly website: www.assembly.gov.nt.ca.

This concludes our review of Bill 6. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.