NS First Nation Tells Government and RCMP to Stay out of Cannabis and Tobacco Sales

NS First Nation Tells Government and RCMP to Stay out of Cannabis and Tobacco Sales
Julie Payette, former governor general of Canada, presents the Order of Canada to Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou, N.S., at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Nov. 17, 2017. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
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An indigenous government in Nova Scotia has passed a new resolution saying the province and RCMP have no right to carry out enforcement on its lands, as police and provincial officials step up raids on what they claim are illegal cannabis operations.

The council of Cape Breton’s Membertou First Nation, led by Chief Terry Paul, released the resolution Friday saying it has a treaty right to self-governance, recognized by the Constitution. It says that includes the right to regulate sales of cannabis and tobacco.