Regulation, control, quality key in marijuana legislation, Trudeau says during Saskatoon stop

The legislation that will legalize marijuana in Canada will help keep the drug out of the hands of children and remove the criminal element, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.

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While in Saskatoon Wednesday, the prime minister spoke with CBC Radio's Afternoon Edition during which he was asked about the legislation, carbon tax and support for Indigenous people.

"We can treat it a little more like alcohol, for example," said Trudeau of the yet-to-be-announced legislation. "Regulate it; control it; make sure what is produced is of clear quality and provenance; and make sure the consumer knows what they're getting."

Trudeau also cautioned people and provincial governments from judging the legislation before it is actually announced. 

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Trudeau stands by climate change action plans

When it comes to carbon tax, Trudeau said U.S. President Donald Trump's softening of the rules protecting the environment doesn't deter Canada's path when it comes to climate change.

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"We know that there is a significant responsibility to deal with climate change for future generations," Trudeau said, "but there's also an opportunity in investing in the kind of green jobs and green opportunities that are there."

Trudeau's visit to Saskatoon followed a stop in Winnipeg where a heckler called him a "scumbag" when it came to carbon tax.

PM promotes child care investment

Trudeau also promoted the Liberal government's $7-billion plan to create more child-care spaces.

Despite the country's debt, Trudeau said these kinds of investments make sense when it comes to helping Canadians.

Trudeau spoke to investments in culture and language for Indigenous people as well.

"We know that Indigenous communities in which there is a strong emphasis on culture and language, the suicide rate is lower and the opportunities that young people feel and the pride in their own identify is stronger."

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Before visiting CBC Saskatoon's studio, the prime minister visited with students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Trudeau's cross-country tour continues in Windsor and Brampton, Ont., on Thursday.