
Alberta is providing $11.2 million in new funding to Alberta municipalities. This money will be used to address legalization-related enforcement and other implementation costs at the local level.
“Our cities and towns are the front lines when dealing with many aspects of cannabis legalization,” says Shaye Anderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This funding will help offset some of the costs they’re facing. I look forward to continue working with local leaders to understand the real-world effects of legalization.”
While the province expects a net loss from legal cannabis this year and next, the government recognizes municipalities have costs related to the federal decision to legalize cannabis. The $11.2 million will be available over two years through the Municipal Cannabis Transition Program. Grants will be available for municipalities that have a population of more than 5,000 residents and are responsible for their own policing. The grants will help offset enforcement and other implementation costs at the local level.
The province will continue to work with municipalities to determine next steps and better understand the impacts during the first two years of legalization.