Mi’kmaq Chiefs say they were surprised to receive a letter from Nova Scotia’s justice minister this week about cracking down on illegal cannabis dispensaries.
At a press conference on Thursday, Scott Armstrong directed police agencies to intensify enforcement across the province, then to report back on what they find. He wrote a letter to 13 Mi’kmaq Chiefs asking for cooperation on the matter.
In a written letter Friday, in a response to Armstrong, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs say the approach was disrespectful.
“Although our perspectives may differ, it’s important to state that the province does not govern our communities,” says Chief Terrance Paul in the letter. “We have a right to self-governance and self-determination.”
“This is a clear example of what happens when the province will not come to the table with us from the outset; an archaic government process we’ve experienced far too often in our communities.”
The Assembly says they requested the province come to an understanding with them on regulations in Mi’kmaq communities before cannabis was legalized in 2018, but that was rejected.
The group says the result is what they predicted – “a system that does not and cannot work in our communities.”
“The RCMP must respond to the priorities of the Chiefs and Councils in each community,” adds Chief Paul. “Minister Armstrong must understand that the province does not have jurisdiction to govern our communities, nor do they have a complete understanding on what happens in our communities. Therefore, they cannot decide what is best for our members.”
The Assembly says it was disappointed with the lack of understanding of Treaty rights.
“We hold Aboriginal Title, Aboriginal Rights and Treaty Rights over our territory of Mi’kma’ki. This jurisdiction protects our autonomy and our identity. Nova Scotia must realize that non-collaborative approach has never, nor will ever, be appropriate or acceptable,” says Chief Paul.
Meanwhile, former Justice Minister Becky Druhan is also criticizing Nova Scotia’s approach to the matter.
In a statement Druhan, now an independent MLA says, the new crackdown on dispensaries highlights the limits of the province’s restrictive system.
“Unlike most provinces, Nova Scotia has no real pathway for private or community-based retailers, leaving the NSLC as the only authorized seller,” says Druhan.
“That shuts out Nova Scotians who want to operate in good faith.”
She says the government should focus on targeted enforcements and ensure safety with training and oversight.
Druhan warns that the current approach appears to undermine efforts to strengthen Mi’kmaw relationships through “respectful engagement”.
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