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The RCMP has spent some time preparing for cannabis legalization.

In preparation, the RCMP has spent time doing online training and attending presentations. They have systems in place to make sure they enforce the laws properly.

Now that cannabis is legal the RCMP doesn’t anticipate an increase in road stops.

Officers won’t be looking for anything in general when deciding whether they will pull someone over or not. It’s left up to the officer’s judgement.

All ten candidates running for Dauphin city council presented their platforms at an election forum in Dauphin.

They all want better relations with the RM of Dauphin. The idea of starting fresh with new councils, new heads of councils, and new CAOs is a way to move relations forward. Some candidates like the idea of regular formal meetings between the two groups. The thought that both are better if they work together was a common theme from candidates.

Crime and homelessness are some of the big issues for candidates running for council in Dauphin. Affordable housing was brought up multiple times. Candidates cited the need for more residential buildings to be constructed in Dauphin, which is one way of reducing homelessness. Most candidates want to work with groups around town to help provide services to those struggling with homelessness.

On crime, some cited a need for RCMP officers to be present in the community at all times and that the city needs to do a better job at responding to the concerns of residents.

When asked about recreation and providing things to do for youth in the community, the councillors who commented all said sports are important. They mentioned the need to keep the facilities we have in good condition. No one mentioned any recreation options for youth who are not into sports.

Municipal elections advanced voting is going on today across the Parkland. 

Voting is open at in the RM of Dauphin in the Council Chambers located on highway 20A East.

In the Mossey River Municipality, advanced voting is going on today at the municipal office in Winnipegosis.

In the Municipality of Ste. Rose advance voting is going on at Nouveaux Horizons in Laurier.

In Gilbert Plains voting is taking place at the municipal office.

In the Grandview Municipality voting is going on in the municipality office boardroom.

All advanced voting goes until eight tonight.

The town of Ste. Rose du Lac held an election forum last night.

As in most cases, lowering taxes was a major point which was brought up a few times. Citizens are concerned because taxes were raised in the rural side, but haven't changed much in town. 

All candidates want to keep the hospital in Ste. Rose. They believe the hospital is integral to their community.

Recreation is one of the priorities the candidates have, citing there are nice hockey and curling facilities that they want to use to attract more people to the municipality.

The election is next Wednesday the 24th.

As of midnight; recreational marijuana is legal across the entire country.

Justin Trudeau made the promise to voters during his 2015 federal election run that the Liberal party would legalise weed if elected. 

According to a senior government official, anyone with a possession charge of 30 grams or fewer will now be eligible for a pardon if they apply for one. Up until today, the charges for simple possession were a fine of up to $1000, and 6 months in jail.

In Manitoba, 5 stores will open up in Winnipeg, and 1 store will open up in Dauphin, in the Marketplace Mall. 

There are still fines for smoking or vaping in public, in provincial parks, as well as a handful of other fines. If you choose to use marijuana, please do so responsibly.

Tweed in Dauphin is the only pot store opening today that isn’t located in Winnipeg.

Dauphin has a store because one of the four companies that have the approval to sell cannabis chose to put a store here in Dauphin.

The LGCA is anticipating more stores to open in the next couple of weeks.

In the coming months, there could be a round two of cannabis stores opening up.

A Dauphin man won 49 thousand dollars from a scratch ticket back in September.

Jason Thorkelson bought his lucky Instant 649 at the Dauphin co-op on Main Street.

“I think it’s pretty awesome! Came in at the right time,” Thorkelson said.

This isn’t the first time he’s been lucky, he also won back in 2012 playing the same game.

Dauphin is the only place in rural Manitoba that will have a pot store ready to go tomorrow.

The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba has approved only 6 stores to open across the province.

The store in Dauphin is called Tweed, it is located at the Market Place Mall.

Winnipeg has five stores opening right away tomorrow as well.

Stores can open as early as 8 in the morning.

Some business owners are concerned about workers showing up for work after taking cannabis products.

Kirk Nyquist, a host of the Reefer MEDness Podcast, explains his thoughts on the topic.

“Businesses need to learn to accommodate and help employers who are smoking cannabis. Because, are you impaired when you smoke cannabis? That’s the question. If you take a high THC, ya you got some cerebral cognitive issues and happiness happening. You take a high CBD you’re not cerebrally affected. So are you impaired with CBDs. There’s so much we don’t know.”

If you want to find out more about cannabis you can check out the Reefer MEDness Podcast. Go to ReeferMed.ca to find all 13 current episodes. 

Parks Canada has announced smoking cannabis will be allowed at campsites.

While the parks themselves are public, they treat campsites as private little homes for campers.

Their approach to cannabis will be very similar to that of alcohol.

Just like with alcohol, Parks Canada may implement specific prohibitions on consumption of pot in specific campgrounds or at specific times of year as operational requirements arise, or in an effort to ensure that all visitors enjoy their stay.

Kate Basford is one of three people running for Head of Council in the RM of Mossey.

She has been the Head of Council for the past four years and is running again because there have been lots of changes made during her term, those changes aren’t finished and she would like to see it through.

One thing she wants to focus on is making Mossey River and Winnipegosis a tourist destination. She also wants to improve municipal services and work on asset management.

Basford has lots of experience, she’s been on council for 8 years, and she’s been on many boards both locally and federally.