Fighting Marijuana Grow Operations

Organizations from across Nova Scotia are in Halifax today, June 20, to discuss ways of shutting down illegal marijuana grow operations that are costing Canadians money and threatening the safety of their communities.

A symposium, hosted by the policing and victim services division of the Department of Justice, will look at ways communities, law enforcement agencies and legislators can reduce the harmful and costly impact of grow operations.

"This is a serious problem right across Canada," says Justice Minister Michael Baker, who opened today's symposium. "We are asking for a broad discussion to see how we can tackle this crime head-on in our own backyard. Communities of all sizes are affected. I look forward to hearing a range of proposals that can help us deal more effectively with this crime."

Mr. Baker added that commercial production of high-potency marijuana is an increasing threat to public health and safety.

"There are risks of fire and electrocution as growers steal electricity with home-made bypasses," he said. "Grow ops also lead to higher electricity costs due to lost utility revenue, depreciated property values and higher insurance rates. Working together, we can find practical solutions to promote even safer communities across Nova Scotia."

Presentations at the symposium will be made by representatives of the RCMP in New Brunswick, the GrowBusters community project in Vancouver, and the Safer Communities initiative in Manitoba.