Mayor wants in on marijuana revenue to cover legalization roll out costs
Despite marijuana not set to be legalized until July 1, 2018, there is a haze over where the expected tax revenue will be directed in the province.
Mayor Greg Dionne said he would like to see pot revenue shared with municipalities to cover roll out costs, an idea echoed by his colleagues Charlie Clark in Saskatoon and Regina’s Michael Fougere.
“I think it is fair that we get some of the revenues strictly because to cover some of the expenses,” Dionne said. “That is why I am out of the gate with the other mayors saying we want some of the revenue. I want to make sure that rolling out legalizing marijuana does not cost my taxpayers.”
Earlier this week, Premier Brad Wall said the revenues should be spent on education and preventing drug impaired driving. But city mayors want the money to pay for the additional costs that will come with enforcing and regulating pot in their communities.