Manitoba’s efforts to improve safety in pot shops is leading to a mixed bag of reactions. On Monday, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced proposed amendments to Manitoba’s Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Control Act. “At the core, what this bill is about is keeping workers safe,” Wiebe said at the legislature. The first change would remove the requirement for cannabis stores to have window coverings, while still restricting what can be seen. “We don’t want kids riding by and seeing cannabis and being enticed into trying a product that’s not appropriate for them,” the minister said. “But at the same time we have to prioritize worker safety.” John Arbuthnot with Fika Cannabis, which owns Delta 9 retail stores, said it is a welcome change. “This is a great step in the right direction. Follows the lead of other provinces that have taken the same measures,” he said, but he questioned how Manitoba’s rules will jive with federal restrictions. “We need to understand exactly what the impact of removing the covers is. How do we do that and still remain in compliance with federal law? How do we do that as quickly as possible?” He hopes to have that discussion with the provincial government. Another proposed change is raising concern for some in the industry. The province wants to give the Liquor Gaming and Cannabis Authority the power to mandate minimum staffing levels during specific hours. It’s a move the union representing some cannabis store employees says is needed. “Loud and clear, not working alone was by far the number one issue that they raised,” said Marie Buchan, UFCW Local 832’s Secretary-Treasurer. However, cannabis advocate Steven Stairs worries this requirement could put independent cannabis retailers out of business. “The ability for a store to have two people employed at one time can be costly, burdensome towards a store that may be only making a small profit margin,” Stairs said. “That extra employee could be the difference between the stores surviving or going under.” Wiebe said the LGCA will work with retailers to determine what that minimum requirement will be, noting cannabis shops come in all shapes and sizes. “There is some nuance and we recognize that,” he said.
