Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Impaired Driving and Road Safety
Bill 6 proposed a framework to govern driver's licence suspensions for drug-impaired driving, including zero-tolerance rules for young, novice, and commercial drivers. These zero-tolerance rules mean that drivers aged 21 or younger, and new and commercial drivers of any age, will lose their driver's licence for 30 days if caught driving after using cannabis or any other drug. Mr. Sam Gargan of Fort Providence questioned the impact of these new rules on drivers' civil liberties.
Many witnesses also asked how police will determine whether a driver has used a drug or if a driver is subsequently impaired. In the Northwest Territories, the RCMP enforces impaired-driving laws. We understand that the RCMP intends to use a combination of practical technologies (e.g. mouth swabs) and subjective analysis (e.g. driver inspection by an officer trained as a drug recognition expert). However, drawing on our own research and the concerns brought to us during our tour, we have serious reservations about these methodologies.
Additionally, we heard concerns regarding cannabis-smoking in cars where children were present. This is prohibited under the proposed legislation, a decision we support, particularly given that cannabis is an intoxicant affecting driving ability.
We also note that, because on-road use of all-terrain vehicles such as quads is regulated under the All-terrain Vehicles Act, not the Motor Vehicles Act, neither current territorial impaired-driving legislation nor the amendments proposed in Bill 6 will apply to those vehicles.
Medical Cannabis
Many witnesses were concerned that Bill 6 would impact the prescription and use of medical cannabis. However, medical cannabis is regulated under separate federal legislation. The legal requirements governing the prescription and use have not changed, and will not be affected by this bill.
Possession Limits
Bill 6 proposed possession limits consistent with pending federal legislation: 30 grams per person and four plants per household. Many witnesses were interested in the rationale for these limits and identified concerns respecting cannabis consumption and growth in homes where minors reside.
As we have mentioned, many also questioned the impact of possession limits on small-community residents shopping for friends and neighbours in regional centres. Witnesses also noted their concerns that a 30-gram limit would encourage bootlegging, particularly if cannabis sales were restricted to existing liquor stores. Others suggested a two-tier possession limit with a lower possession limit (or cannabis potency limit) for those aged 19 to 25, reflecting the increased risks to younger consumers suggested by recent research. We also heard questions about whether possession limits would apply in private residences.
Motions 7 and 8 addressed this matter.
Regulating Cannabis Use in Public Places
Witnesses were often uncertain about where Northerners will be permitted to smoke cannabis under the proposed legislation. We understand that the GNWT intends to clarify this matter through regulations, but we also feel strongly that the rules must be clearly communicated to residents. For example, witnesses asked about cannabis smoking at home, around minors, on sidewalks, in parks (municipal and territorial), in yards or on balconies, and in licensed establishments. It is evident that the GNWT has not clearly communicated one of the cornerstones of its cannabis framework.
Overall, we heard recommendations to restrict cannabis consumption in community spaces and around minors, but we were also reminded that we must ensure access to reasonable options for legal consumption. As legislators, we recognize each individual's right to safely access public spaces in accordance with the law and must balance this with our obligation not to frustrate cannabis legalization by making it practically impossible to use cannabis. We encourage the GNWT to monitor these issues as they evolve across the country, with a view to future improvements of territorial cannabis laws.
Motion 19 addressed this matter.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to turn the reading of this report over to the honourable Member from Deh Cho. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.