|
|
|
|
| TODAY'S NEWS | SEARCH THE NEWSROOM | NEWS BY MINISTRY |
TORONTO, March 5 /CNW/ - The Green Tide Summit was an important first
step in developing concrete co-ordinated action plans to combat marijuana grow
operations and improve the safety of our communities, Monte Kwinter, Minister
of Community Safety and Correctional Services, said today.
"The Green Tide Summit was a big success," Kwinter said, "but we can't
sit idly by. Our efforts must be united, co-ordinated and consistent. There is
much more to do, and the McGuinty government intends to deliver real, positive
change to improve the strength, safety, and vitality of our communities.
"Yesterday, at the opening of the summit, I challenged the delegates to
find a consensus, and I am impressed and excited by the work they have done
and the excellent ideas that have been put forth in such a short period,"
Kwinter added. "A common theme that came out of the summit has been the
importance of continuing to build our relationships and share information.
Now, we have to take that information, analyze it and develop action plans for
each sector. The future strength of our communities depends on it."
"Marijuana grow operations are not just a problem for police," Ontario
Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) President Ean Algar said. "They are a
community threat that requires a community response. This summit is the
beginning of police, governments, hydro utilities and the private sector
working together to eradicate this serious threat to the safety of our
communities. For the first time, I don't feel alone in the fight against
marijuana grow operations." The OACP co-hosted the summit with the ministry.
"We were delighted to be part of this process and we look forward to
continuing to work together with the provincial government and other key
stakeholders in the fight against marijuana grow houses," Robert Whitman of
the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) said. "The IBC strongly supports the
concept of a societal impact statement, similar to a victim impact statement,
that outlines the impacts on communities from grow operations."
"Grow houses have a significant detrimental impact on businesses and
communities," John Sanderson, president and chief executive officer of Aurora
Hydro Connections Limited, said. "We estimate that hydro theft across the
province costs the four million ratepayers across the province approximately
$260 million each year. That's totally unacceptable."
"I leave here today 100 per cent committed to combating marijuana grow
operations," said Ian Smith, from the Ontario Real Estate Association. "The
real estate sector is committed to the development and distribution of public
materials to assist real estate practitioners and local communities. The real
estate industry remains committed to disclosing any relevant information in
the sale of a house if available."
The two-day summit was the first time various levels of government,
police services, public utilities and the private sector have come together to
share information and ideas.
Disponible en français
www.mpss.jus.gov.on.ca
----------------------
-30-
For further information: Adrian Dafoe, Minister's Office, (416) 998-2829 (cellular); Bruce O'Neill, Communications Branch, (416) 326-5005
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
