BC Elections & Local Government Recap, 1 KM Rule Webinar, Federal Budget 2026, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: November 11, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis retail industry: BC Elections & Local Government Recap ABLE BC x Thrive Advisors: 1 KM Rule & Cannabis Stores Federal Budget 2026: Cannabis Excise Stamp Reforms The Poppy Campaign: October 24-November 11, 2026 ABLE BC Looking for New Publisher Reminder: Upcoming EPR Requirements for E-Cigarettes & Vapes LDB Wholesale Customer Centre Holiday Hours - Apply for Canada Summer Jobs Funding
- ABLE BC Refreshing Associate Membership & Partners Program
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Immigration Update: Key Changes for Employers
What you'll find in every newsletter: Member Spotlight: Cariboo Cannabis go2HR: October 2026 Labour Insights Out and About with ABLE BC
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
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BC Elections and Local Government Recap |
Premier-Designate Lorne Doerkson & ABLE BC President Yvan Charette |
Provincial Election: Congratulations to BC's Elected MLAs
Following the October 24 provincial election, British Columbia is preparing for a change in government. ABLE BC congratulates the BC Conservatives and Premier-Designate Lorne Doerkson on their election victory and looks forward to working with the incoming government on issues affecting BC's independent cannabis retailers. We also extend our thanks to outgoing Premier David Eby and the BC NDP government for their work and engagement with our industry. We look forward to continuing the conversation with the BC NDP as they take on their opposition role in the BC Legislature. What Happens Next?
The transition is underway, with newly elected MLAs scheduled to be sworn in on November 19, followed by the Cabinet swearing-in on November 20. As the new government establishes its priorities, ABLE BC will continue advocating for policies that support independent cannabis retailers and a fair, sustainable regulatory environment. |
ABLE BC and Vancouver Mayor Pete Fry |
Local Government Elections: Congratulations to Newly Elected Mayors and Councils
ABLE BC also congratulates the newly elected mayors and councillors across British Columbia. Local governments play an important role in shaping the operating environment for cannabis retailers, from zoning and land-use decisions to recommendations on cannabis retail applications.
Municipal inaugural meetings and swearing-in ceremonies took place between November 2 and 10, meaning newly elected mayors and councils are now officially in office.
Take Action: Connect with Your Mayor and Council One of ABLE BC's key advocacy priorities is establishing a province-wide 1 km minimum distance requirement between legal cannabis retail stores.
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is currently engaging local governments on this proposal through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). ABLE BC is encouraging cannabis retailers to connect with their newly elected local representatives and advocate for a consistent provincial standard.
ABLE BC's Cannabis Election Town Hall took place on October 28, providing members with an opportunity to learn more about the issue and how to get involved.
Here's how you can help: -
Contact your Mayor and Council: Share your experience as a local cannabis retailer and encourage your municipality to support the proposed province-wide 1 km rule.
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Use ABLE BC's Post-Election Toolkit: Our toolkit includes background information, key advocacy messages and a template letter to help you engage your local representatives.
- Stay informed: The LCRB's current engagement process is expected to close on December 31, 2026.
To request a copy of the Post-Election Toolkit for Local Government, contact Nicole McLaughlin, Community Ambassador, at membership@ablebc.ca. Find Your Local Mayor and Council Election Results
Your voice matters. By building relationships with newly elected provincial and local representatives, cannabis retailers can help shape policies that support responsible businesses, local employment and the long-term sustainability of BC's legal cannabis industry. |
ABLE BC x Thrive Advisors Webinar: Why the 1 KM Rule Matters for Cannabis Retailers |
What does a 1 km distance requirement between licensed cannabis retailers mean for the long-term success of your business?
Join ABLE BC and Thrive Advisors for an informative webinar exploring the immediate and long-term benefits of a 1 km separation requirement between licensed cannabis retailers in BC.
We'll look at how this policy can help support independent cannabis retailers, create a more sustainable and competitive retail environment, and protect the long-term value of private cannabis businesses. During this webinar, we'll explore: - Why the 1 km distance rule matters for independent cannabis retailers.
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The immediate and long-term benefits of separation requirements.
- How the policy can support a more sustainable and competitive retail environment.
- The role local governments play in shaping cannabis retail policy.
The session will include a 20-minute presentation from Thrive Advisors, followed by an open Q&A. WEBINAR DETAILS -
Thursday, November 26, 2026
- 1:30–2:30 p.m. PT
- Virtual via Microsoft Teams
Who should attend: Cannabis retail licensees across BC. ABLE BC membership is not required to attend.
[REGISTER NOW]
We hope you'll join us for this important discussion about the future of private cannabis retail in BC!
If you have any questions, please contact Nicole McLaughlin, ABLE BC Community Ambassador, at membership@ablebc.ca. |
Federal Budget 2026: Cannabis Excise Stamp Reforms |
The federal government's 2026 Budget proposes reducing the number of cannabis excise duty stamps from 13 to six, simplifying the stamping process for licensed producers selling products across participating provinces and territories.
Under the proposed changes, participating jurisdictions, including British Columbia, would move toward a unified stamp. Licensed producers could begin using the new stamps on January 1, 2028, with a transition period ending June 30, 2029.
While the changes aim to reduce administrative costs and simplify compliance for producers, they do not address broader industry calls for cross-provincial cannabis sales. Restrictions on moving duty-paid products between provinces would largely remain in place.
The Budget also proposes new financial penalties for producers unable to account for reported inventory and for violations involving unstamped cannabis products.
Read the full article: Ottawa Outlines Cannabis Excise Stamp Reforms in 2026 Budget – StratCann |
The Poppy Campaign: October 24-November 11, 2026 |
For 100 years, The Royal Canadian Legion has stood with Veterans and their families, and helped Canadians remember those who served and gave their lives for our freedom.
The Legion’s Poppy Campaign is officially underway from now until November 11th. During this time, millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to never forget those who served.
The Poppy is distributed freely to all. Poppies can be found at your local Legion Branch or at various partner locations, including BC Liquor stores. The Royal Canadian Legion gratefully accepts donations to the Poppy Fund, which supports Veterans and their families. The history of the Poppy in Canada can be traced back to the famous war poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Written in 1915 by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of Guelph, Ontario, the poem continues to be read aloud at Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country. |
ABLE BC Looking for New Publisher |
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Joyce Hayne will be retiring at the end of the year, so after 28 years of publishing The Quarterly Pour, ABLE BC is looking for another person or company to publish the magazine and take over ad sales for their digital media.
The Quarterly Pour is a very well-established trade magazine in BC’s liquor industry and is read by owners and managers of private liquor stores, pubs, and bars.
Digital media includes the bi-weekly ABLE BC Liquor Industry Update and the monthly ABLE BC Cannabis Industry Update. Advertisers can also send out a dedicated eblast. Ad revenue in these newsletters and eblasts has been increasing steadily over the years.
ABLE BC’s website has an average of over 4,000 page views per month and revenue for the site has been growing each year as well.
Interested in learning more about taking over publishing The Quarterly Pour and selling ads in the magazine and digital media?
Contact Joyce Hayne at Joyce@emcmarketing.com or 604-574-4577. |
Reminder: Upcoming EPR Requirements for E-Cigarettes and Vapes |
The BC government has expanded its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, adding several new product categories to the provincial Recycling Regulation, including vapes, electronic cigarettes and other battery-containing products. Under EPR, producers are responsible for managing the collection and recycling of regulated products at the end of their life. The expanded requirements apply to products sold across residential and non-residential sectors, including products sold online, by phone or by mail. Implementation will take place in stages beginning in 2027. For the new battery-containing product category, producers are required to submit an EPR plan by December 15, 2026, with programs required to be operational by October 1, 2027. Cannabis businesses that manufacture, distribute or sell products that may fall within the expanded categories are encouraged to review the new requirements and determine whether they have obligations under the regulation.
Learn more about BC’s EPR changes and review the explanatory notes. |
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People
Working Well
The Canadian Mental Health Association has created a resource hub for employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
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Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter
Sign up for our Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for cannabis retail businesses. Click here to read past cannabis newsletters. |
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ABLE BC Member Portal
The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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LDB Wholesale Customer Centre Holiday Hours |
To support your business during the busy holiday season, BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) Wholesale Operations would like to advise customers of the following operational updates. Wholesale Customer Centre (WCC) Holiday Hours The WCC will operate on the following schedule from November 16, 2026, to December 31, 2026:
- Holiday hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 24 and December 31: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- December 28 (Boxing Day): 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The WCC will be closed on December 25, 2026, and January 1, 2027.
The WCC reminds all customers to build-up inventory early for the upcoming holiday season, as unpredictable winter weather could potentially impact deliveries of holiday shipments. Please ensure orders are placed on time and that all payment methods are available to avoid delivery delays. Additional information regarding potential changes to holiday shipping schedules will be shared directly with impacted customers, once available.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the WCC by emailing wholesalehelp@bcldb.com or calling 604-775-0681 or 1-888-775-0681 (toll free). |
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Apply for Canada Summer Jobs Funding |
Planning your summer staffing? Applications are now open for the Canada Summer Jobs 2027 program, which provides wage subsidies to help eligible employers hire youth aged 15 to 30. Private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada may qualify for funding covering up to 50% of the provincial minimum wage. The program helps offset summer staffing costs while providing valuable work experience for young Canadians. To qualify, employers must also meet the program's other eligibility requirements, including having been in operation for at least two years by December 31, 2026 (with limited exemptions).
Applications close December 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT.
For eligibility details and application instructions, review the Canada Summer Jobs 2027 Applicant Guide. |
ABLE BC Refreshing Associate Membership Program |
ABLE BC is reviewing its Associate Membership and Partnership program to better serve BC's cannabis retail industry and the businesses that support it.
Our goal is to build a stronger network of trusted service providers and industry partners who offer relevant, valuable products and services to cannabis retailers.
As part of this refresh, we're updating our membership tiers and introducing a more defined approval process for Associate Members to help ensure the businesses in our network meet the needs of our members.
We're excited about what's ahead and look forward to sharing the updated offerings soon. Interested in becoming an ABLE BC Associate Member or Partner? If your business supports BC's cannabis retail industry, contact Nicole McLaughlin, Community Ambassador, at membership@ablebc.ca to learn more. |
Immigration Update: Key Changes for Employers |
Work Permit Extensions: Greater Certainty for Employers and Workers Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) whose employers are awaiting decisions on Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) renewals.
Previously, workers applying to extend their work permits had up to 90 days to provide a positive LMIA. Effective immediately, eligible TFWs may continue working under their original work permit conditions while awaiting an LMIA decision, provided they meet the applicable requirements. This change provides greater certainty for employers and international employees, helping reduce staffing disruptions caused by lengthy LMIA processing times.
For more information:
Low-Wage lMIA Processing Resumes in Kamloops and Chilliwack
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has updated its quarterly list of regions subject to the refusal-to-process policy for low-wage LMIAs where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
Effective October 9, 2026, low-wage LMIA applications are once again being processed in Kamloops and Chilliwack, following changes to regional unemployment rates.
The updated regional list remains in effect until January 7, 2027.
Employers in these regions may once again be able to access the low-wage LMIA stream to support recruitment, provided they meet all other program requirements.
Express Entry Changes: Considerations for Permanent Residency On October 16, IRCC announced changes to the Express Entry system, taking effect November 3, 2026. The changes include additional points for eligible Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations. IRCC is also removing certain LMIA requirements for qualifying job offers under Express Entry. These changes may create additional permanent residency opportunities for eligible hospitality professionals, particularly those in skilled occupations. However, they do not eliminate existing LMIA requirements for employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Read the full announcement here. |
Member Spotlight: Cariboo Cannabis |
Located in the heart of downtown Quesnel, Cariboo Cannabis is a locally owned and operated cannabis retailer focused on serving its community with a great selection, friendly service and knowledgeable staff. Being locally owned means understanding the needs of the local market. The team listens to customer feedback and responds to requests, helping ensure customers can find the products they're looking for. |
Known for its extensive selection, Cariboo Cannabis carries more than 200 THC and CBD products, along with a wide range of affordable accessories. With new stock arriving weekly and rotating sales of up to 25% off, there's always something new to discover. Customer service is at the heart of the experience. Cariboo Cannabis' friendly, knowledgeable budtenders are ready to offer recommendations, answer questions and help customers find products that suit their needs. Find the team at 318 McLean Street in downtown Quesnel, conveniently located next to the Billy Barker Casino Hotel.
Thank you to Cariboo Cannabis for being part of ABLE BC's cannabis retail community! |
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go2HR: October 2026 Labour Insights |
BC’s tourism and hospitality industry experienced a further decline in employment in October, following September’s seasonal slowdown. Employment, labour force participation, full-time employment, and hours worked all decreased, while the unemployment rate improved. Employment trends varied across regions and sectors, reflecting a mixed labour market picture heading into the final months of 2026.
Employment in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry decreased 0.9% to 345,750 workers in October, down from 348,750 in September. The labour force declined 1.7% to 367,500, while the unemployment rate fell from 6.8% to 5.9%. Full-time employment dropped to 62% of the workforce, down from 65% in September, and aggregate weekly hours worked decreased to 9.34 million, compared with 9.76 million in September. Learn more in go2HR's Employment Tracker |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
Help Our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
Do you own a cannabis retail store? Sign up now for an ABLE BC Cannabis Membership to support the work we do on your behalf.
As ABLE BC works to support BC’s cannabis retailers, we meet regularly with various officials at the LDB, LCRB, and with elected officials in the federal, provincial, and municipal government. With your support, we are making meaningful headway amending regulations and policies that support industry growth.
ABLE BC Cannabis Members have access to several benefit programs that offer exclusive discounts and are designed to help your business thrive. In addition to our benefit programs, we offer expert advice , regular webinars, and many networking opportunities.
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