Based in New Brunswick – Cannabis | weed | marijuana

Based in New Brunswick?

Canadians with conservative, libertarian, or classical liberal beliefs tend to be brusque about the maritime provinces.

After all, Canada’s east coast is a guaranteed win for the Liberal Party.

Because Canada’s fisheries have never been properly privatized, the fishing industry has exploited its natural resources to near exhaustion.

Instead of turning to another industry (e.g. learn to code), the Liberal Party is bailing out the maritime provinces like an unemployed brother-in-law living on the couch.

As a result, the phrase “Based New Brunswick” is not often used.

“Based” originally meant “being yourself without caring what others think of you.” This expression is now common in political discussions and indicates a contrary opinion that is correct.

“Based New Brunswick” is not a term I thought I would ever type. But the latest news from New Brunswick is changing that.

Based in New Brunswick: Private cannabis stores

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

Ontario public health officials are complaining about the “proliferation” of cannabis retail outlets. You want a reduction. Some even suggest that the government shut down private businesses and adopt a crown corporation model (like Ontario’s liquor monopoly).

The New Brunswick office goes in the opposite direction.

On June 14th, the first private cannabis shop was opened.

It’s not perfect – the Cannabis Xpress store has to buy wholesale from the government. But it’s a step in the right direction.

The New Brunswick government owns 25 businesses throughout the province. They are mainly found near denser populations. The goal of allowing private businesses is to better serve smaller communities.

According to the New Brunswick government, “three more privately owned businesses will soon follow.”

Being based in New Brunswick also allows for the issuance of retail licenses ex-yard. Five cannabis producers are currently licensed for on-site direct sales to consumers.

The official justification is (of course) to fight the “illegal market”. For this reason, the New Brunswick government requires that private businesses display a QR code that consumers can scan and confirm that the private business is indeed legal.

But in reality it is about revenue.

Taxing private cannabis stores is far more efficient and profitable than trying a government model. Compare Quebec’s strict monopoly with Alberta’s freer market for confirmation.

The New Brunswick-based company took a cautious approach in 2018. But five years later, they’re moving in the right direction.

Based in New Brunswick: “Far-Right Political Actors”

If Justin Trudeau thinks you’re “far right,” you’re doing something right. That’s practically a guarantee.

Schools across Canada instruct teachers to use a different name and pronoun at the request of a student. Even if the parents are not informed.

The New Brunswick-based Prime Minister (and Secretary of Education) proposed sensible policy. If the children are 16 years or older, the schools allow them to use a different name or pronoun as they wish.

Below 16? You need parental consent. If they don’t get consent, the schools will support them. Suppose the parents are really “far right” and not just conservative; Students at least have the support of the school staff to speak to their parents.

This moderate compromise recognizes a student’s right to be called whatever they want, while recognizing the fact that if you are under 16 you are still your parents’ responsibility. After all, they literally created you. You are their extended phenotype.

But in Trudeau’s “post-national” Canada, all nuance is lost. Justin Trudeau said “far-right political actors” are undermining children’s rights. He accused the New Brunswick government of “cruelty and isolation” toward children.

Only radical left activists believe him. And polls show that Canadians side with “far-right political actors” on this issue.

New Brunswick-based Prime Minister Blaine Higgs is ready to vote in an election over the matter. And it’s about time.

Pride celebrations have become compulsory in schools. Conservative Christian and Muslim students are uncomfortable with this and have skipped classes in response.

This prompted an Edmonton teacher to tell a Muslim immigrant student, “You don’t belong here.”

Liberal Party vs Liberalism

There is a world of difference between Canada’s Liberal Party and the philosophy of liberalism. And a New Brunswick-based company underscores that fact.

At its core, liberalism is “to each his own.” In other words: leave people alone to the greatest possible extent. Obviously the rule of law is required. You cannot steal, cheat or murder. But you also can’t force people to believe the same things you do.

Adults who want to use cannabis or change their names and pronouns can do so. But when it comes to children, nuance is required.

For example, a child with epilepsy needs cannabis for medical reasons. A teenager bored from school and smoking weed to pass the time should probably be looking for more productive pursuits.

Likewise, some 12-year-olds may suffer from gender dysphoria (as defined in the DSM-5). A trend, reinforced by the corporate press, is catching on to the others.

If we don’t have the freedom to discuss and debate the issue, if all criticism is “transphobia” and “far right”, then don’t be surprised if otherwise moderate parents actually become transphobic and far right.

Of course, that’s probably the goal. Divide and conquer. Exploit sensitive issues for political ends.

It’s not very well founded. But it’s effective.