To start with, we need to see what the meaning of omnipotence is.
Quote from a legal source dictionary: “The quality of having unlimited or very great power.” There are several other synonyms that can be used in place of omnipotence. Some of these are: “all-powerfulness, almightiness, supremacy, pre-eminence, supreme power, absolute power, unlimited power; invincibility.”
Where am going with this, you might ask? Somehow the word and its relatives apply to city council in some of its dealings as of late. I am waiting to hear that they will be inviting all of us down to one of the lakes to show us that they can, in fact, walk on water without getting their feet wet.
Canadian law has set legal parameters for the sale and distribution of marijuana in Canada. I mean all of Canada, not just certain parts. The laws are very clear on marijuana even though in the near future they might be adjusted or changed completely, time will tell. In the interim, we have national statutes that spell out the law regarding marijuana. How is it that our illustrious cadre of elected representatives can bypass, ignore, call it what you will, scripted Canadian Law?
For the record, I am neither pro nor anti-marijuana. If an individual chooses to himself/herself (without involving minors in any way) use marijuana, that’s on them. Until the law has been changed, the in vogue law is the law.
The city has sanctioned temporary licenses to two outlets that will purvey marijuana. This contravenes the marijuana law that is currently on the books. How is it possible that a minor municipal council can circumvent the laws of the land by issuing licences to dispense a product that is not currently legal on the open market except through government licensed regulated distributors? Omnipotence or what?
When is the law not the law? The answer is “until it is amended or rescinded.”
Are you listening mayor and council? Evidently not, with reference to your recent licensing actions. In the chain of legislation, municipal councils are at the bottom of the law totem pole as far as overall power goes. The tale does not wag the dog in this case.
Ron Barillaro
Penticton