Black communities press feds for cannabis amnesty as pot legalization nears
OTTAWA — Members of Canada’s black communities praised the federal government Tuesday for earmarking $10 million towards mental health programs, but they said Ottawa has yet to address their pressing request around outstanding pot possession charges — an issue that’s been raised from within the Liberal caucus.
Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced a funding program designed to strengthen culturally-relevant mental health supports for black youth, their families and communities that will address underlying factors, including anti-black racism.
The funding was lauded by advocates who said Ottawa is clearly taking “black individual experiences” seriously.
“What we are learning now is how this funding is … going to play out in the community,” said Habon Ali, a 21-year-old University of Toronto student and youth adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.