Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I was talking to the Minister of Justice about the legalization of cannabis here. Can the Minister advise this House: has the federal government set the legal consumption limit for driving while under the influence of cannabis? If they haven't, when will this be coming forth? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the Minister for his answer. I guess he is missing the point. Some of these communities don't have access to the internet system and that. That is a concern for me. I am hoping that he will get his department to at least write to these communities and ask them for some input. On to my next question: has the department consulted NWT businesses already selling medical marijuana or cannabis to NWT? If not, why?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I was talking about legalization of marijuana and some of the issues and the consultation process. I have to congratulate the department on the work they have been doing. However, I know we have gone into nine communities, but has the department looked into going into some of the smaller communities? I mean, I know Fort Liard was on the list, but smaller communities like Wrigley, Sambaa K'e, and that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you colleagues. A separate news story from Global News reported an increase in the economy for the Town of Smith Falls, Ontario. This increase is thanks to Tweed Incorporated, a medical cannabis producer that started production in an out-of-commission Hershey chocolate factory. So far this company has employed 300 individuals and had posted for 70 more jobs.

Mr. Speaker, these new stories highlight how the legislation of recreational cannabis will create new industry, meaning new jobs and economy growth. It is also highlights that we do not need to import this...

Thank you and I thank the Minister. I'm getting a clearer picture now and I appreciate that. So what we're saying, though, so if we just clarify: MTS is going to be with the government for the next 10 years to pay off this cost. Is this correct in my understanding of this? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I thank the Minister for the answer. So please bear with me so I clearly understand. We are going to be paying the covering costs and then over 10 years the revolving fund is going to put it in there. Why aren't we putting these double hull barges' costs into the revolving fund now? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I regret we're here today. In the whole beginning of the process I went and talked to each Minister and explained where I was going and how I was going there, and I'm going to vote the same way I voted with my X on there. My concern through this whole process is I believe in consensus government. I believe we need to be working together as a collective, and, unfortunately, we're here today and I don't see consensus working as well as we should be.

I have been very fortunate to have been raised up in the Northwest Territories and I've watched consensus...

Thanks to the Minister for his answer. While reading on this topic, I noticed there are a number of roadside screening devices out there. I am wondering: has the federal government informed us which device they will be using, and have we made necessary arrangements to order these?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am talking about the medical cannabis, not the homegrown stuff that may or may not be out there. Mr. Speaker, has the department looked at the thought of developing a homegrown organization to grow cannabis in the Northwest Territories? We have some of the best soil in the country and availability. We can get the seeds from somewhere else. Has the Minister looked at this as an option for people in there? I know in my riding we have some great land that we can use. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

I thank the Minister for his answer. Two communities out of 27, I don't think that is a good representation. Will the Minister look at talking to these small communities? Even though maybe they are not going to go and consult with them, maybe they can write a letter to these smaller communities and ask them to get some feedback in there. We are talking about some of the very small, small communities, and this will have a huge impact on them.