Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to commend this government on its move towards eventually allowing for the privatization of cannabis sales, production, extraction, and purification. It is clear that the public wants to see entrepreneurs empowered to thrive and prosper, as they are no longer accepting of Crown monopolies or the failed policies of prohibition that have made criminals out of our citizens for recreational use of a substance with substantially less harmful effects than alcohol, while empowering thugs, gangsters, bootleggers, and smugglers to exploit our youth and communities.
However, it has been brought to the attention of Regular Members that, even though there have been nearly 20 bids submitted for the tender to establish a retail cannabis store in the territory, this government has, at the last minute, extended the deadline for bids until June 30, 2019, without explanation.
Mr. Speaker, given this government's trepidation towards privatization when the Cannabis Legalization Implementation Bill was debated by this House, I wonder if the GNWT actually wants to see the establishment of this market?
Sudden changes public to tenders like this may not be noticed by the average member of the public, but it has been noticed by investors, both those already invested in pursuing cannabis retail opportunities and those considering investing in other sectors of our territory's economy. The North must be at all times open for business.
Northern companies and entrepreneurs have already put forward cash as part of the tender process, and they have covered their costs, both legal and for the registration and compliance of their prospective new ventures. Make no mistake, the regulatory requirements are still too onerous for my likings, but nevertheless, these entrepreneurs have provided everything required by this government to move forward.
Mr. Speaker, this uncertainty is not good for business, the public, and, most importantly, our economy that requires much needed diversification and growth of private-sector markets. Last-minute changes to the privatization scheme shake investor confidence and inhibit the realization of new economic activity. It is imperative that this government deliver on its promises of the privatization of retail cannabis, and not put it off for a future government.
Now is the time to invest in our economy and let the private sector lead. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.