04/06/2026
Time to have the talk don't take candy from anyone untill an adult reads it.... they should not be allowed to sell something so simular
The issues happening around us with illegal drugs and criminal activity are serious.
I need to share some information and perspective in a more detailed way than a soundbite or a quote in a media story.
First, we must always support law enforcement.
The treatment of the RCMP that we have seen is not acceptable. They are doing their job to uphold the law and keep Nova Scotians safe. They deserve respect, not confrontation.
Blocking a highway or roadway is never acceptable.
The unlawful obstruction of others is not peaceful. It undermines public safety, respect for law enforcement and the rule of law itself.
Our roadways are our lifeblood.
At any given time, people are travelling for critical reasons such as getting to medical appointments, hospitals, work and caring for their families. Our highways are also how we move goods, food and keep our Province functioning.
Second, enforcement of the law is not about generating revenue for Government.
In fact, with respect to First Nations communities, Government has offered a path forward where revenue from regulated cannabis sales stays in the community, not the government coffers.
To be clear, Government supports regulated dispensaries in First Nations communities where profits go into programs and supports that benefit the whole community, not just a handful of individuals operating outside the law.
This option exists and has existed for some time. Leadership is aware of it, and it deserves serious consideration.
We are ready to work together to address the drug crisis. However, we are not prepared to accept the status quo.
We all have a collective responsibility to put the safety of the public above all else.
Third, the dangers of unregulated drug markets and their consequences are already being felt across our Province.
It is not just the Province saying this.
On March 19, Millbrook First Nation issued a drug alert confirming the presence of methylfentanyl, a highly potent form of fentanyl, in the unregulated drug supply in Hants County.
This is deeply concerning. This is not a future risk. It is here now and has been.
That means that the risk of cross contamination is real.
This underscores a hard truth. Unregulated drug markets are unpredictable, untested and increasingly dangerous. They put users, all Nova Scotians, and especially our children, at risk.
There are no safeguards.
No standards.
No accountability.
People are being exposed to substances far more potent and far more dangerous than they realize.
That is how people get hurt.
That is how people die.
Fourth, to further underscore the true danger, particularly to children, this week in Nova Scotia, the RCMP released images of cannabis seized from illegal storefronts, and what they showed should concern everyone.
Products packaged to look like candy.
Bright colours. Familiar brands.
There is a reason for this type of packaging. It is clearly designed to appeal to children and youth.
Fifth, the potency of some illegal market products is extremely high.
Many of these seized products contained THC levels reportedly between 2,000 mg and 8,000 mg per package, compared to the legal limit of just 10 mg in Canada.
That is not a small difference. It is hundreds of times stronger. It is appalling.
These levels of dosage can lead to severe physical and psychological distress for adults and can be life threatening to children.
Sixth, we need to be clear and honest about the law.
In R. v. Marshall et al. (2024, NS Provincial Court), the Court rejected the claim that cannabis sales are protected by treaty rights, finding there was no evidence to support any Aboriginal or treaty right to trade cannabis.
The law is clear. There is no recognized treaty right to sell cannabis.
And the reasons this activity is illegal and dangerous are also clear:
•Packaging designed to mimic mainstream candy.
•THC levels hundreds of times above legal limits and at hazardous levels.
•No health or safety oversight.
Finally, we are seeing instances where people are actively encouraging confrontation with the RCMP, promoting blockades and creating situations that carry real risk to the public, to law enforcement and to their own communities.
This is dangerous.
It puts people in harm’s way.
It threatens public safety.
It undermines respect for law enforcement and the rule of law.
And it makes an already dangerous situation worse.
We encourage leadership to work with the Province and move towards safe, regulated dispensaries in communities where profits can stay in the community.
There is a clear path forward that will work for communities.
Let’s work together to keep our communities safe.