By Tom Mark

RDNO Directors Seek Clarification On Cannabis Taxation

May 3, 2018 | 10:07 AM

RDNO directors have heard from local M-L-A Eric Foster, who told them while he doesn’t have the access he used to have, he`s still getting heard in Victoria.

The directors had a number of questions for him.

RDNO board Chair Bob Fleming says the cannabis legislation is becoming top of mind.

“Communities in general are concerned about the costs that may accrue from having the cannabis regulations passed and what may be the share that comes to local communities to try to deal with those costs.”

Fleming says directors are also urging the government to look at the issue of property taxation for cannabis growers.

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The issue is taxation when it comes to growing cannabis on agricultural land as opposed to commercial or industrial properties.

“Agricultural land is taxed in all communities generally speaking at a far lower rate than for instance commercial or industrial land. The feeling was for those enterprises that are setting up in appropriate commercial or industrial areas would be at a tax disadvantage.”

Fleming says the directors hope Foster can talk with the government about having something done with classifying production on farmland.

“Trying to make it more similar in taxing so that by setting up on ALC land you don’t suddenly accrue a great tax advantage as opposed to setting up in areas in areas where a lot of communities would like to see it, which is commercial and industrial.”

by Tom Mark