We are an Alberta parent coalition. We do not agree with the adult-access sites on the central question. We also do not think the way to disagree well is to pretend there is nothing on their side.
1. Enforcement of existing rules matters
The CFAA explainer and the AB Choice explainer both point out that the existing Alberta framework already includes a lot. They are correct that funded enforcement is what makes the framework work.
2. Illicit channels are a real risk
If product rules are written badly, activity can shift to illicit channels with no provincial oversight at all. That is a real risk to plan for in implementation. We do not want that outcome any more than the adult-access sites do.
3. Adults exist in this file
Adult consumers are in this file and we do not pretend otherwise. Our complaint is not that adults exist. Our complaint is that some of the adult-access materials read as if the youth side of the file can be handled at the licensed retail counter, and it cannot.
Where we still part ways
None of the above changes the fact that Bill 208 is doing something the public health record has been asking for. Product features and the retail and online environment, regulated together. We support that and we are going to keep saying so.