Rachel Notley teased municipalities within the province about potential future funding to help with the upcoming Cannabis legalization.

At a conference Thursday afternoon, Notley prepared a speech to an audience full of government officials from all over the province at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Conference (AUMA) at Westerner Park.

Although the audience was hoping for a solid promise from the Premier, she was only able to give a few details about an upcoming potential funding program to help with costs associated with the legalization.

“The challenge that frankly none of us in this room created but that we need to deal with together, about the legalization of cannabis”

Notley has said they heard the province loud and clear, and the safety concerns from municipalities and they are working on providing some funding to help.

“We know you need funds up front and we are going to provide you with funds up front.”

As for the area surrounding Lacombe, councils have been spending lots of time preparing bylaws and rules for the upcoming legalization.

Notley says she recognizes the struggle it has been for them.

“This is not a small change to our society, like you we are committed to putting the safety of people and families first, in policing, public education and enforcement; all of those things affect you as municipalities.”

But she promises that some sort of help will be made possible soon, with funding that could take some relief off their shoulders.

“Very soon, we will be making an announcement about what this funding looks like and how this funding will be reviewed.”

She admits it has been a challenge for everyone but changes are coming.

“Especially as we get a better understanding in this new reality that we have been presented with.”

More details to come soon.