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BC signs 6th agreement with First Nation under Section 119

Published on July 26, 2022 by oz. staff

Photo: Contributed
Shxwhá:y Chief Robert Gladstone says he's proud to sign an agreement that sets a strong foundation for ongoing government-to-government collaboration.

BC has signed a new agreement with a First Nation under Section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act to enter into a “government-to-government agreement that supports cannabis economic development.”

The province and the Shxwhá:y Village have signed the sixth such agreement.

Calling it a major milestone that shows BC and First Nations are working to support a robust cannabis industry, the province says the agreement supports Shxwhá:y’s interests in operating cannabis production and retail ventures. It also affirms each government’s shared policy objectives relating to public health and safety, social responsibility, protecting young people, deterring illicit activity, and supporting socio-economic development, says the announcement.

“We set out to harmonize our interests and approach with those of the provincial government. We had some tough discussions and finalizing this agreement took the better part of three years, but I am proud we signed an agreement that sets a strong foundation for ongoing government-to-government collaboration,” says Chief Robert Gladstone, Shxwhá:y Village.

“This is reconciliation in action. However, reconciliation has no end. The work continues through the implementation of this agreement. This would not have been possible without the support of my community, colleagues at the BC Cannabis Secretariat and my negotiating team at All Nations.”

Under Section 119, the province can enter into agreements with Indigenous Nations that allows them to sell regulated cannabis within a framework that maintains alignment with federal and provincial cannabis laws.