The call for a Northern Ireland Saint Patrick's Day holiday followed a recent decision by Belfast City Council to refuse funding for a Saint Patrick's parade in Belfast.
Rollie Woods, head of vice and narcotics enforcement for the Vancouver police department, noticed indoor growers throwing out unwanted leaves and dirt at a site the city uses for refuse collection.
The issue has risen up the political agenda following a series of high-profile strikes, including walkouts by London Underground staff and refuse collectors working for Birmingham City Council.
"The day before I was due to travel to Calcutta we were informed that the Calcutta police would refuse to allow me to enter the city, " he said in a statement.