By rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta Liberals want to end ALGC cannabis monopoly

Jan 16, 2019 | 2:14 PM

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan is calling on the NDP Government to begin issuing cannabis licenses and end the distribution monopoly by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

“The NDP’s flawed cannabis policy is failing Albertans,” Khan said in a release. “They are stifling job creation and undermining efforts to end the criminal black market by refusing to issue more licenses. Alberta LIberals want the free market to resolve this problem.”

Khan points out that the Alberta Cannabis Collective (ABCC) says this policy misstep could cost Alberta 1,800 jobs and cost retail applicants $13 million if the Government does not meet its stated goal of 250 stores opened by October. Currently, only 65 stores have been granted licenses. It is also driving Albertans to the illegal black market.

He also notes that according to a Statistics Canada survey of cannabis users, 52% of respondents are still buying their product illegally – 18% said it’s because of difficulty accessing the product legally.

“Experts in the industry have said that the moratorium on licences is an overreaction that is boosting the black market,” Khan says. “The NDP Government blames a lack of supply for the moratorium on licences. We believe Government mismanagement and bureaucratic red tape are the real reasons for this problem.”

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The Alberta Liberals are suggesting allowing cannabis stores to purchase from licensed producers or distributors other than the AGLC – including boutique producers or distributors currently frozen out of the market.

“This NDP Government’s approach to cannabis is costing Alberta jobs and keeping the black market thriving,” Khan added. “We strongly urge an immediate change of tactics and policies. Delaying solutions could do more damage.”

(With file from Alberta Liberals media release)