Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Branch HC National Union Management Consultation Committee (NUMCC) Meeting May 16, 2017 Jacqueline Bogden, Assistant Deputy Minister, CLRB
Overview Current Context Proposed Legislation Organization Our Human Resource Plans Our Workplace Plans
Current Context All activities associated with cannabis are prohibited with some exceptions: Access for medical purposes outlined in regulations Import and export for medical or scientific purposes with a permit from Minister Cannabis is the most used illegal substance in Canada Canada has the highest rates of youth cannabis use in the world Use among youth aged 15 to 19 is 21%; young adults aged 20 to 24 was 30% Public health and safety concerns related to cannabis use Health risks from early and heavy use No control on product safety, potency and quality Drug-impaired driving Broad, entrenched illegal market Burden on justice system, and associated social impacts Laws not well understood, inconsistently applied
Proposed Legislation Proposed Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) would create a strict framework for controlling production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada The Act seeks to: restrict youth access to cannabis protect young people from promotions or enticements to use cannabis enhance public awareness of the health risks associated with cannabis deter and reduce criminal activity by imposing serious criminal penalties for those breaking the law, especially providing to young persons protect public health through strict product safety and quality requirements provide for the legal production of cannabis to reduce illegal activities allow adults to possess and access regulated, quality controlled cannabis reduce the burden on the criminal justice system Subject to approval by Parliament, the Act would come into force no later than July 2018
Organization Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Branch established April 2016 Medical cannabis program (75 FTEs) Partners with RORB, which delivers inspections across Canada Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat (25 FTEs) Supports 3 Ministers in delivering on the Government’s commitment Organizational readiness team (FTE tbd) Organizational design and build for implementation of proposed Cannabis Act Support whole of government coordination of planning, execution and reporting ADM Office of Medical Cannabis Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat *Organizational Readiness (name tbd)
Our Human Resource Plans Staffing across full range of areas of expertise: policy and regulations (EC), science (BI), inspections (SG), program administration (PM), and administrative and clerical services (AS) Significant planned growth over short/medium term – exact numbers subject to further work and discussions with Treasury Board Secretariat Areas of high growth include EC, SG, PM, AS, CR Staffing plans and strategies under development (including talent management, existing pools, external hires, referrals of priority persons, post-secondary recruitment, student bridging) Working with our HR colleagues to develop enhanced Values and Ethics and Conflict of Interest guidance to existing and new employees
Our Workplace Plans NCR footprint currently spans 4 offices in 2 buildings Move towards eventual co-location – phased approach required Regional growth can likely be accommodated in current footprints