Changes to the Non-Smokers Health Protection and Vapour Product Act are being made as Manitoba prepares for the legalization of Cannabis this summer.
Much like the Liquor and Gaming Act, smoking or vaping cannabis will be prohibited in outdoor public places. So that means you cannot use the drug on streets or sidewalks, school grounds, restaurant patios or decks, health-care facilities, parks and beaches or anywhere else that is specified by regulation.
“Manitobans of all ages deserve to be protected from people impaired by cannabis,” said Justice Minister Heather Stefanson.
The province is also proposing changes to The Drivers and Vehicles Act and The Highway Traffic Act which would include new administrative driver’s licence suspensions for impaired driving. If you are a novice driver and fail a roadside screening test you would be prohibited from driving.
“Drugged driving is every bit as dangerous and potentially harmful as drunk driving,” said Stefanson. “These changes will allow our province to move in lockstep with other jurisdictions and ensure drugged drivers face stiff consequences for their actions.”
The province is also updating the list of offences that must be reported to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles as well as the list of offences that a conviction would reduce or cancel your entitlement to receive compensation from Manitoba Public Insurance.
Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen said “Ensuring the health and well-being of Manitobans is of utmost importance to our government in moving forward with this legislation,” said Goertzen. “We also have concerns about ‘normalizing’ this activity in public places, as it could encourage children and youth to use cannabis.”
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