Frustration, confusion for Ontario First Nations as Ontario issues cannabis permits

‘We support the individual but we don’t necessarily support the idea’ Chief says.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has announced who can apply to operate cannabis stores in First Nations in Ontario.

Wiikwemkoong, Serpent River, Chapleau Cree, Couchiching, Mississauga, Wahgoshig, and Nipissing First Nations were all successful in their applications, as was the Shawanaga First Nation, just north of Parry Sound.

But Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod said despite the council’s support of the applicant, Zachary Lacelle, there are still no formal agreements worked out with the federal government over jurisdiction.

“You know we support the individual but we don’t necessarily support the idea that the province has jurisdiction in our First Nation lands,” McLeod said. “So we’re still pursuing the avenue of working out a bilateral agreement with the federal government so we can maintain jurisdiction and the creation of laws in our land.”

READ MORE HERE: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/cannabis-license-first-nations-1.5247990