Ontario's premier spoke about law enforcement's role in the protection of public health and safety with the legalization of cannabis.
Doug Ford assured the Ontario Provincial Police Association Annual General Meeting on Tuesday that the government will not compromise on public safety or protection for youth.
The premier said he is concerned there is no reliable test for drug-impaired driving even as marijuana become legal on Wednesday.
Ford said the province will ensure cannabis remains out of the hands of people under 19 while combatting the illegal market by providing consumers with a compelling retail alternative.
He added Ontario will ensure a strict prohibition against drug-impaired driving.
Ford said the province is spending $182 million to build nine new OPP detachments and is investing in Ontario's Public Safety Radio Network, which will completely overhaul how the province's emergency radio system works.
"It's been three years since the prime minister committed to legal cannabis, yet the federal government cannot give our police a reliable test for drug-impaired driving," said Ford. "I am calling on the federal government to address this critical issue and get our police the tools needed to keep our roads safe."
"It will be OPP officers and other law enforcement professionals around Ontario who will be helping to protect Ontario's youth, keep our roads safe, and combat organized crime and the illegal market following October 17," said Ford. "We will make sure our brave women and men in law enforcement have all the resources and tools they need to do their job."
"When it comes to cannabis, we can assure all Ontarians that we've done our homework, we are working closely with our police and other partners and no matter what lies ahead, Ontario will be ready," said Ford. "Thank you to the officers of the OPP and all law enforcement across Ontario for everything you do, every single day, to keep our communities, neighbourhoods and families safe."