Legislation could see Sask. First Nations control on-reserve sale of cannabis

Saskatchewan First Nations are one step closer to gaining control over the legal sale of cannabis in their communities.

On Tuesday, the provincial government introduced the Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Amendment Act, which sets up the legal framework for First Nations to oversee the distribution and sale of cannabis on reserve.

“Our government supports First Nations exercising their authority over on-reserve distribution and retailing of cannabis through a legal framework with SLGA,” Lori Carr, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said in a media release.

“This change further fosters reconciliation by ensuring First Nation-owned businesses are able to fully participate in the economic opportunities presented by the retail cannabis industry.”

If the legislation passes, First Nations will be able to create the regulatory framework to establish a local cannabis authority. Once stores open, they’ll be overseen by First Nations and will have access to federally regulated cannabis products.

The Saskatchewan government introduced another piece of legislation Tuesday to assist First Nations communities when it comes to enforcing laws and bylaws on reserves.

The Summary Offences Procedure Amendment Act comes in the wake of a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the government, the Muskoday First Nation and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation on Oct. 18, 2019.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to take this important step as part of our ongoing work with the Muskoday and Whitecap Dakota First Nations,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said in the release.

“These amendments will allow these and other First Nations communities in the future to use the more simplified summary offences procedure, instead of the long-form process under the federal Criminal Code, to issue tickets and fines such as those issued for traffic violations and other provincial offences.”