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Alberta’s provincial online sales system will be up and running by then, Maisonneuve said, and private brick-and-mortar store shelves will be stocked.

“We want to make sure that we are able to provide Albertans with the best variety,” he said.

In February, provincial officials said up to 250 cannabis stores could open during the first year of legalization. The AGLC also ramped up its recruitment of employees for the industry, posting job ads related to regulation enforcement.

The agency is also busy planning delivery mechanisms for online sales, Maisonneuve said. “Canada Post has great experience currently delivering medical cannabis to Canadians.”

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said the province is focused on keeping cannabis away from minors as well as ensuring public health and safety.

“Having this official date for legalization means that our province has the clarity that it needs in order to move forward,” she said. “One of the main focuses we have is to drive out the illegal marketplace in Alberta.”

Finance Minister Joe Ceci said Wednesday the province is prepared for Oct. 17 and reiterated that the fledgling industry won’t be lucrative for the government.

In Budget 2018, Alberta projected a loss of $90 million to the provincial government over two years while the cannabis industry is established.

In 2020-21, the province estimates a net income of $37 million to government coffers.

“We’ve got more expenses than profit,” Ceci said.

Ottawa committed to a 75-25 split on tax revenues from cannabis sales — one dollar per gram, or 10 per cent of the producer price, whichever is greater — with the majority of that cash going to the provinces.

Municipalities have called on Alberta to share revenue, arguing they shouldn’t have to shoulder policing and bylaw costs. In March, Ceci said those conversations would move forward once Ottawa provided more information.

cclancy@postmedia.com