On Parliament Hill

This week, marijuana was legalized in Canada.

As Conservatives, we have serious concerns about the consequences of Justin Trudeau’s failed approach on this issue.

In a rush to meet his self-imposed political deadline, Justin Trudeau has failed to adequately address the many concerns of municipalities, law enforcement, employers, scientists and doctors about his cannabis legalization legislation.

For example, just last week, the Trudeau government confirmed that there is no conclusive way to determine if someone is driving high. This has left our law enforcement officials in limbo, with several police forces across the country refusing to use government-approved testers.

Canadians are rightfully nervous. A Probe Research/Winnipeg Free Press poll taken earlier this year showed that amid all the unanswered questions, a majority of Manitobans (68%) support a zero-tolerance approach to policing drivers with even small traces of cannabis in their system – at least until scientists develop a reliable roadside test for cannabis impairment.

The lack of public education on this issue has also left many Canadians unsure of how this will impact border crossings between Canada and the United States.

The safety concerns of employers, workers and Indigenous communities have not been addressed by Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Government. To add insult to injury, the Prime Minister has failed to explain how his plan will keep marijuana out of the hands of children, and profits out of the hands of criminals.

Of course, the medical community has also been very vocal with their concerns regarding marijuana legalization and how it will negatively affect our young people. Dr. Laurent Marcoux from the Canadian Medical Association testified at the Standing Committee on Health that, “we still want to set the age at 21, and maybe 25, because the damage done to the brain will be permanent.” Sadly, concerns such as this have fallen on deaf ears.

Justin Trudeau’s lack of leadership on his signature file and his rush toward legalization has resulted in confusion and concern from coast to coast.

Canadians deserve a Prime Minister who takes serious matters – seriously.