The MLA for Kamloops-South thinks there is a lack of political will to get private cannabis stores approved in B.C.
Todd Stone says nine months after legalization it is not right that two of three approved stores in Kamloops are government run. He says there is no reason for B.C. to be this far behind when other provinces are approving stores left, right and centre.
“The Premier says he is frustrated at the quote-unquote glacial pace of the application process,” said Stone. “Well do something about it. Let’s get on with it. These entrepreneurs in Kamloops do not deserve to be forced essentially into this financial vice that John Horgan has put them in all the while crying crocodile tears.”
On NL Newsday, Stone said it’s hard not to be somewhat cynical when government stores appear to be getting preferential treatment.
“You know what is really going on here? Is it the BCGEU calling the shots here and demanding that the government slow walk the applications of private applicants because they want more unionized employees,” Stone questioned.
He says the private retailers deserve the fair process they were promised months ago, when they applied for a cannabis licence.
“They have entered an application process in good faith on the basis of securing a location, entering into a lease agreement, going through all the local government processes and eight-nine months later, some of these applicants are still waiting for the province to give the green light,” noted Stone.
“When it’s just money going out the door, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that sooner or later, the business is not going to be around.”
In Kamloops alone, there are 15 other private stores that have been approved by city council, but they are stalled with the province. NL News reached out to various private store owners who did not speak on the record for fear of retribution.
Stone believes the delay is not with the Attorney General’s ministry, but with the Solicitor General’s ministry over criminal record checks.
“No one is saying there shouldn’t be a thorough vetting of the individuals, it should be as thorough as possible,” Stone said. “But again, if Alberta, Manitoba and another provinces can do it in weeks or a few months, it shouldn’t take eight or nine months in British Columbia.”
NL has also reached out to Solicitor General Mike Farnworth for comment, but the minister has not yet been made available.