The MP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington is calling on Health Canada to take some action against cannabis operations across his riding.
In a letter to Minister of Health Patty Hajdu, MP Derek Sloan says there are several cannabis locations that are causing concern to residents.
He adds “…potentially criminal elements have sought to utilize loop holes in existing federal regulations to enrich themselves and ignore municipal bylaws via large scale cannabis growing operations.”
He says the Minister of Health should take action, “in order to stomp out any such potential criminality and corruption.”
In an interview with Quinte News, Sloan said he’s concerned because some residents have been harassed, such as having dead animals put on their porch.
Sloan says he’s concerned municipalities and the OPP find themselves unable to deal with the situation due to regulatory inhibitions imposed on them.
The letter indicates several municipalities have reached out to the health department on this issue without success.
He notes, “We need to enquire about several specific properties amidst ongoing nefarious activities related to cannabis operations that are causing anxiety and frustration amongst residents and officials alike.”
Sloan calls on the Minister of Health’s office to respond as soon as possible “with a list of potential remedies and interventions we can take to ensure the rule of law is protected in my riding, and that the concerns of residents and officials alike are heard and responded to by Health Canada officials.”
He wants inspectors to come to the area to check on the situation.
He also indicates that he is in the process of organizing a town hall teleconference to address the issue with the municipal leaders.
