Category: Moncton

An interim report is recommending the province establish a Crown corporation to regulate and sell marijuana once its legalized next year.

The working group also recommends a minimum age of 19 to purchase pot even though doctors would like to see an even older age of 21 or even 25 because of grass’s effects on brain development in the young.

Health Minister Victor Boudreau says the government could still decide to go with an older age. He says his main concerns are health and public safety. Boudreau also admits cannabis sales could be good for the provincial economy, although they’d have to be careful to price it to keep the black market and criminals out of business.

The Gallant Government is freezing all property tax assessments next year at this year’s levels because of the scandal over improper increases.

Property owners who have appealed and are waiting for a new assessment will see their lower bill used next year. The freeze will not apply if a homeowner makes improvements that boost the market value of their property.

The government previously promised to set up an independent agency to set property assessments but it won’t be ready to go probably until 2019.