Canadian School Boards take a position on basic policy needed to protect children in Cannabis Legalization

November 8, 2017

To:
Prime Minister of Canada
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Minister of Health
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Council of Ministers of Education
Joint Consortium for School Health

With the introduction of Bill C – 45 – An Act Respecting Cannabis and to Amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts – school boards across Canada have been concerned with the potential impact this legislation may have on students in their respective jurisdictions. 

As this Legislation has moved forward, the work of the Task Force on Cannabis Legislation and Regulation has been of particular interest to School Boards who have paid attention to and participated in the work of the Task Force. In their final report, the Task Force made several recommendations about how education was to be used as a means to help Canadians understand the potential health risks. It is now essential to ensure that education partners are included to inform this work.
 
Through these discussions, School Board Associations have also identified those areas that are essential for Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments to consider in the implementation of the Legalization of Cannabis. As a result, the enclosed CSBA Cannabis Legalization Declaration has been adopted by these Associations representing Canadian School Boards on behalf of the students and communities we serve.  
Sincerely,

Floyd Martens, President, CSBA

Laurie French
Chair, School Health and Wellness Committee, CSBA