Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall
Poll question about marijuana legalization
The Federal government introduced legislation recently that would legalize, regulate, and restrict access to marijuana across the country.
Government officials say the current approach to cannabis does not work and has allowed criminals and organized crime to profit, while failing to keep cannabis out of the hands of Canadian youth.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the legislation yesterday:
Justin Trudeau joined VICE to talk marijuana legalization
Here are some more details provided by the governing Liberals:
Here are some more details provided by the government about the legislation:
– The Cannabis Act proposes that legal sales of cannabis would be restricted to people who are 18 years of age and over. Provinces and territories could increase the minimum legal age of sale, purchase and consumption.
The movement of cannabis and cannabis products across international borders would remain a serious criminal offence.
– Following Royal Assent, the Government intends to bring the proposed Act into force no later than July 2018. At that time, adults would legally be able to possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis in public, and to grow up to four plants per household at a maximum height of one metre from a legal seed or seedling. Until the new law comes into force, cannabis will remain illegal everywhere in Canada, except for medical purposes.
– The provinces and territories would authorize and oversee the distribution and sale of cannabis, subject to minimum federal conditions. In those jurisdictions that have not put in place a regulated retail framework, individuals would be able to purchase cannabis online from a federally licensed producer with secure home delivery through the mail or by courier.
– The proposed legislation would amend the Criminal Code to modernize and simplify the transportation provisions, strengthen the criminal law responses to impaired driving, and facilitate the effective and efficient investigation and prosecution of drug- and alcohol-impaired driving.
– To facilitate detection and investigation of drug-impaired driving, law enforcement officers will be authorized and equipped to use oral fluid drug screeners at the roadside.
What are your thoughts?
Please let us know by voting below, or by providing a comment:
[polldaddy poll=”9732144″]
Constructions season poll results
With construction under way in Wallaceburg along McNaughton Avenue and near Blenheim at the 401 overpass, we asked our readers what they thought about ‘construction season.’
It appears most people understand that it is good for the community, but recognize that it is a pain in the butt.
How do you feel about construction season?
Understanding – realize it will be a bit of a pain, but know it is good in the long run. 60.87% (56 votes)
Upset – the work is overdue, it should have been done sooner. 18.48% (17 votes)
Happy – it’s great for the community! 15.22% (14 votes)
Annoyed – it is a big inconvenience. 5.43% (5 votes)
Total Votes: 92
If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
Photo of the day
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is proudly recognizing the exceptional work done by the organization’s 300-plus volunteers. During the week, CKHA volunteers will be recognized with thank yous, treats and draws for prizes. The organization’s social media channels will also feature profiles of select volunteers to showcase their roles within the hospital and what they’ve learned from their experiences. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for volunteers to network with peers and engage the community on the importance of volunteering.
“I am honoured to recognize the ongoing contributions of our caring and compassionate volunteers who provide a helping hand to not only our patients, their families and visitors but also to our staff and physicians on a daily basis,” said Kathryn Kielstra, CKHA’s Volunteer Resource Specialist. “CKHA benefits from these talented individuals who dedicate their skills and time to making us a truly exceptional community hospital.”
On March 16, 2017, six CKHA In-service volunteers were awarded Ontario Service Awards at a ceremony held at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham. These awards (certificates and pins) are bestowed by the Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade annually to recognize years of service. CKHA recipients are: Mary Wieringa (10 years), June Schmitchen (20 years), Dorothy Arner (25 years), Ruth Sereda (30 years), Lucy Wynsma (5 years) and Doris Bozh (15 years).
Current volunteer opportunities at CKHA’s Chatham Campus exist in the Emergency Department, Patient Advisors, Information Desk and Boutique Grand Gift Shop. Volunteers are needed at the Sydenham Campus at the Information Desk and Serendipity Gift Shop. Youth 15 years and older are encouraged to apply online for summer placements in the Youth Volunteer Program at www.ckha.on.ca/volunteer.
To view CKHA’s volunteer profiles during the week of April 24-28, visit: www.facebook.com/ckhamedia and www.twitter.com/ckhamedia.
Weather forecast for Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Today- A mix of sun and cloud. 30 percent chance of showers this morning and early this afternoon. Wind becoming southeast 20 km/h late this morning. High 19 except 13 near Lake Erie. UV index 7 or high.
Tonight – A few clouds. Wind southeast 20 km/h becoming light this evening. Low 9.
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