Province aims to keep cannabis workers safe

New legislation introduced Monday will allow cannabis stores to remove window coverings in an effort to improve safety for employees.

Bill 56 would amend the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act to eliminate the mandatory requirement that prevents underage passersby from seeing the interior of the age-restricted stores.

“At its core, what this bill is about is keeping workers safe,” Justice Minister Matt Wiebe told reporters outside the chamber, flanked by labour representatives and Labour Minister Malaya Marcelino.

The bill would also give the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba power to establish mandatory minimum staffing levels during specified hours, to ensure workers are not alone during periods when there may be a higher risk of violence.

“No Manitoban should have to worry about their safety while going to work and making a living,” Wiebe said, noting the legislation was spurred by concerns raised by cannabis store workers.

In May, a 24-year-old employee was sexually assaulted at a cannabis store on the 100 block of Isabel Street. Police said the attacker waited for a customer to leave and locked the door behind them, isolating the lone female employee.

“No Manitoban should have to worry about their safety while going to work and making a living.”

A 33-year-old man was charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement and theft under $5,000. He was wanted on a warrant for failing to comply with a probation order.

The union representing close to 200 cannabis store employees has called for tougher safety measures for nearly a year.

“I’m really proud of the fact that we’ve been able to push this forward,” Marie Buchan, secretary-treasurer of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 832, said at the legislature. “It’s a great first step. I’m proud to be working with the government that is listening to workers.”

The Manitoba Federation of Labour has also raised concerns with the government about worker safety, particularly in cannabis stores, its president said.

“They’re closed in, people can’t see what’s happening and there have been assaults, violence and incidents that have happened in the workplace,” Kevin Rebeck said. Ensuring that employees are not working alone will make a real difference, he added.

The justice minister said the Liquor Gaming and Cannabis Authority will oversee the mandatory minimum staffing requirements.

Wiebe said when the province legalized recreational cannabis sales in 2018, it required the window coverings to prevent minors from seeing pot promoted and on display. That will remain the case, he said. While the window coverings will be removed, retailers will not be permitted to show off their wares in the windows.

“We want to protect kids, and so we’re finding that balance where we don’t want cannabis displayed. We don’t want kids riding by and seeing cannabis and being enticed into trying a product that’s not appropriate for them,” Wiebe said.

There is no guarantee that the bill introduced this late in the legislative session — which requires debate and to be heard by a committee to receive public input — can pass before the session ends in November.

One cannabis store employee is hopeful the changes will make stores safer.

“They’re closed in, people can’t see what’s happening and there have been assaults, violence and incidents that have happened in the workplace.”

Darian Ronald, who has worked at the Joint Cannabis & Vape Shop in Transcona for five years, said a robbery in the winter of 2025 left co-workers shaken.

“I mean, shaken is an understatement,” said Ronald, noting two armed robbers entered the store demanding money and merchandise. “How do you come back from having a gun pointed in your face?”

Ronald wasn’t working that day, but three colleagues were.

“It is disquieting — to say the least — to think that in instances where we have been harassed or, in some cases, even robbed, that nobody outside had any concept about what was happening here. It’s an isolating feeling.”

Ronald said the Joint has a policy of scheduling at least two workers at a time, and new mandatory staffing levels during high-risk hours will be beneficial for the industry.

“After some of the more recent headlines I’ve heard about cannabis stores that were staffed by only one member, just having another body there would be huge. Because that’s at least one other person who can call for help, or lock a door, or reach somebody.”

Progressive Conservative justice critic and former Brandon police chief Wayne Balcaen said he is waiting to see details of the bill. He said at first glance he supports safety measures that increase visibility, such as allowing the removal of window coverings so workers are not hidden from public view.

“Removing that and allowing people to see in and (ensuring) the safety of individuals that are inside inside is paramount,” said Balcaen.

Interim PC leader Konrad Narth said the caucus is waiting to learn more details about the bill.

“We look forward to getting full briefings on the legislation that was brought forward today and analyzing together with the critics and our caucus.”

— with files from Morgan Modjeski

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca