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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 27 ,2 01 8 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised family of newspapers is comprised f of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. 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OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT INSIDEHALTON.COM EDITORIAL Just as the Progressive Conservative government seemingly has been making up policies on the back of envelopes when it comes to health care, energy, trans- portation and finance, it comes as no surprise it is yet again changing the rules when it comes to legalizing pot sales. First, it was eliminating the previous Liberal gov- ernment's idea of creating a standalone entity called the Ontario Cannabis Store - modelled on the LCBO - to sell pot. Then it introduced the idea of allowing private retailers to establish stores, including the decision to reduce the buffer of 500 metres to 150 metres for po- tential stores near schools and daycares. Now as communities are in the midst of deciding whether to allow private pot stores within their boundaries, the Ford government in an an- nouncement at the pro- verbial last minute is limiting the private re- tailers to 25, with six identified within the Greater Toronto Area, to be selected by a lottery in January. Some municipalities have already opted out of allowing private canna- bis stores within their borders, while others have decided they want in (including Milton, for now), and some have yet to decide (including Oak- ville, Burlington, Halton Hills). Municipalities have until Jan. 22 to decide whether to opt out of the program. For those that opt in, municipalities will be in- curring enforcement costs to make sure these shops follow the rules. follow the rules. f And the police and health departments will have to address the corresponding social problems that are expected to come from selling pot. The province has committed to providing $40 mil- lion to municipalities over two years to help with the implementation costs of recreational cannabis legal- ization. And if a municipality agrees to be a host city, it would receive additional funding. These are changing social times. Alcohol and phar- maceuticals are relatively accessible to the public with proper controls in place. Cannabis is now a le- gal, recreational item, that is grown and harvested and is projected to boost the local economy. With the proper controls in place, private cannabis stores should have the same accommodation and be acces- sible to all adults. PROVINCE LEAVES CITIES WITH CANNABIS QUESTIONS With the proper controls in place, private cannabis stores should have the same accommodation and be accessible to all adults. It has been an exciting year for Oakville North- Burlington and a very busy and fulfilling one for me working to represent you in Ottawa. In our community, I hosted roundtable discus- sions with newcomers to Canada to discuss ways to help them find meaningful employment; a senior's roundtable with Minister of Seniors Filomena Tassi to hear from local seniors how the federal govern- ment can best support them; and a public educa- tion meeting with Halton police and the Region of Halton Health Depart- ment on the recent legal- ization of cannabis. In October, I welcomed the prime minister to the riding to tour Burlington business Metrican's facili- ties and discuss the newly- signed United States-Mex- ico-Canada trade agree- ment (USMCA). One of the most important things our government achieved this year is the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAF- TA) to ensure stability andTA) to ensure stability andT confidence in Canada's economy. In November, the gov- ernment introduced its Fall Economic Statement and I had the opportunity to speak to it in the House of Commons. The state- ment follows through on the commitments we made to Canadians: To strength- en and grow the middle class and offer real help to people working hard to join it; to grow the econo- my and to invest in middle class jobs. Canada had the strongest economic growth of all G7 countries last year. In fact, the unem- ployment rate has fallen to the lowest level we have seen in the past 40 years. We continue to supportWe continue to supportW youth in our community through my annual Young Women in Leadership pro-Women in Leadership pro-W gram, my youth council and the Canada Summer Jobs program, which cre- ated 200 jobs with 50 em- ployers in our community this summer. I am grateful to have the privilege of representing you in parliament and I look forward to another exciting year ahead, en- suring your voices are heard in Ottawa. As al- ways, I am happy to meet with constituents and I en- courage you to reach out to me and share your thoughts and concerns any time. I hope you will join me for my New Year's Levee on Jan. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke's Commu- nity Centre in Oakville. All the best for a wonder- ful holiday season!ful holiday season!f Pam Damoff is the member of parliament for Oakville North-Burling- ton. Her office is located at 2525 Old Bronte Rd., Suite 590, Oakville. Tel: 905-847- 4043 Website: MPDamoff- .ca Email: pam.da- moff@parl.gc.ca 2018 - A YEAR IN REVIEW BUSY YEAR FOR OAKVILLE NORTH-BURLINGTON MP, WRITES PAM DAMOFF PAM DAMOFF Column