Media Release on Legalization of Cannabis
MEDIA RELEASE ON LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS
*The Cannabis Act, 2017 was passed in December 2017. 
UCCM Anishnaabe Police are reminding the public that the new Cannabis Legislation is coming into effect on October 17th, 2018. Although the Cannabis Act essentially decriminalizes possession the use of small amount of recreational cannabis, it creates new Criminal Code offences for selling cannabis to minors.
In Ontario the provincial rules highlight the following facts;
- The minimum age to use, purchase, and possess recreational cannabis in Ontario is 19. The use of recreational cannabis will be prohibited in public places and workplaces
- Originally, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario was to oversee the sale of cannabis in the province via stand-alone, government-owned Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and an on-line order service. Subsequently, the government elected during the 2018 Provincial Election announced that private retailers and mail order distributions would be allowed. OCS stores will also not be operational until April 2019
- Ontario will prohibit individuals under the age of 19 from possessing or consuming recreational cannabis, which will allow police to confiscate small amounts of cannabis from young people. The province’s approach to protecting youth will focus on prevention, diversion, and harm reduction without unnecessarily bringing them into contact with the justice system. The government proposed to support young people and vulnerable populations through the development of an “integrated prevention and harm reduction approach” that would promote awareness of cannabis-related health harms and help people make informed decisions about use. It will include education, health, and social service providers that work with, and educate, youth, and young adults.
Additionally, under the proposed model First Nation communities would be able to opt-out of cannabis deliveries and retail stores.
UCCM Police continue to believe that inappropriate use and abuse of controlled and legal substances, including cannabis, has a serious impact on the safety and wellness of our communities which leads to a wide spectrum of violent acts and property crimes.
Rodney Nahwegahbow, Chief of Police
Email: rodney.nahwegahbow@uccmpolice.com
5926 Highway 540, Box 332
M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0
Tel: 705-377-7135 ext. 201
Fax: 705-377-5583
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Mnidoo Mnising Missing Person Awareness Day Event
On Thursday, October 4, 2018, the UCCM Police along with the OPP and other community-based partners are hosting a one day awareness event focusing on missing and/or unidentified murdered persons.
Topics and presentations will include a personal reflection for one local family, missing persons investigations, community action planning, missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, a family’s guide to the national missing persons DNA program, preventing child sexual abuse, living with grief/unresolved grief, internet safety and human trafficking indicators and candle light vigil.
This event is a Manitoulin Island wide event for all community members.
These can be difficult topics that hit close to home for many. The planning team want to ensure the safety of everyone who chooses to attend by providing the following:
- There will be a private space with Elders, throughout the entire day, for comfort and guidance if things get too heavy for people;
- There will be a sunrise ceremony around 7:00 am;
- A sacred fire will burn for the day;
- To end our day, we will make our offerings to the fire, sing and drum. Hand drummers are asked to bring their drum if they would like to use their voice to support the ones that have been living with a loss such as this; and
- A referral to support services and wellness check if requested.
Food is important and that’s why we will be offering nutritious snacks, a light lunch and hot, catered supper for participants.
Please note, there is no fee for this event. Expenses are also being covered by the sponsoring agencies.
This event is being held in Aundeck Omni Kaning at the 4 Directions Complex.
To register, contact Brittany Allen or Daughness Migwans by phone at 705-377-7135 or email at brittany.allen@uccmpolice.com and daughness.migwans@uccmpolice.com. People are also welcome to register at the door before 9 am.
Mnidoo Mnising Missing Persons Awareness Day Registration Form
If you have any questions or require more information, please feel free to contact Daughness Migwans.
Public Safety Notice – Fraudulent Phone Calls claiming to be from Canada Revenue Agency
The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service has been notified from community members that are receiving calls from “Revenue Canada Hot Line ” and other companies indicating that they owe them funds. This is a warning to community members and businesses about new and often sophisticated scams that prey on vulnerable persons, utility users and consumers.
Financial crimes and fraud are criminal activities that victimize individuals from all walks of life. Police across Ontario have become increasingly aware of very sophisticated, well-organized financial criminal activities that prey on individual’s lack of understanding about their rights when it comes to their financial matters. If you feel uneasy about someone calling you about owing monies to Revenue Canada Hot Line or from a 1-450-876-2192 Ottawa phone number, don’t be fooled. Call for help.
Community members can call the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to confirm the authenticity of the CRA telephone number or report incidents of suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
The CRA takes these tax fraud scams very seriously and actively warn Canadians about them using the CRA’s name, especially during tax filing season.
If you want to confirm the authenticity of a CRA telephone number – call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
For more information about the security of taxpayer information and other examples of fraudulent communications – go to www.cra.gc.ca/security.
