Election resources, ABLE BC advocacy updates, upcoming EPR requirements, and more industry news inside. ----------------------------------------------------------------
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Cannabis Industry Update: October 14, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis retail industry: - Thank You! ABLE BC Industry Reception
- BC Provincial Election: Resources for Retail Licensees
Cannabis Policy & in Fall Elections
Advocacy Update: Support for the 1KM Rule - Final Reminder: ABLE BC Cannabis Membership Renewal
Reminder: Upcoming EPR Requirements for E-Cigarettes & Vapes Cannabis Becomes Canada’s Fifth Most Important Cash Crop BCHA Fast Track Your Future is Back! Regional Tariff Response Initiative in BC Canada Investment Summit: New Productivity Mega Deduction Federal Government Extends Fuel Excise Tax Suspension 2026 Small Business Week Summit: Free Virtual Sessions
What you'll find in every newsletter: Member Spotlight: Harvest Moon Cannabis go2HR: Your Team Worked Hard All Summer, Now What? Out and About with ABLE BC Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
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Thank You! ABLE BC Industry Reception |
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Industry Reception in September at Donnellan’s Irish Pub! It was a great evening of connection, conversation and community, and we’re so glad you were there.
We’d like to extend a special thank you to Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham for joining us and taking the time to connect with members of BC’s liquor, hospitality and cannabis industries. We also appreciate the senior officials from the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) and Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) who joined us and contributed to the evening’s conversations.
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A huge thank you to our event sponsors for helping make the evening possible and for continuing to support BC’s industry community: BC Lottery Corporation, Western Financial Group, ContainerWorld, Beer Canada, Wine Growers BC, and Brewers’ Recycled Container Collection Council.
We’re grateful to Dirty Laundry Vineyard and Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards for generously providing sparkling wine for the reception.
We also want to recognize the wonderful volunteers from Craft Greenery Cannabis for lending their time and energy to help make the event a success. And thank you to our hosts, IRL Group, for welcoming us to Donnellan’s Irish Pub and helping create such a great space for everyone to connect.
Most importantly, thank you to our members and industry allies for showing up, sharing your perspectives and engaging in the conversations that matter to our industry. Your participation helps strengthen our collective voice and our ability to advocate for BC’s liquor, hospitality and cannabis businesses. |
Event Photos
Want to relive the evening? Photos from the Industry Reception are now available. View the event photos. Please contact Nicole (membership@ablebc.ca) for the gallery password.
We also encourage you to share your favourite photos on social media and tag ABLE BC and photographer Brad Kasselman to help give him a shoutout for capturing the evening!
Stay connected with ABLE BC
If you’re not currently a member, we’d love to have you join us. Membership is open to both liquor and cannabis businesses, and membership helps ensure your voice is represented as we advocate on the issues affecting our industries. For membership information or questions about your status, contact Nicole McLaughlin, ABLE BC Community Ambassador, at membership@ablebc.ca. |
Upcoming BC Provincial Election: Resources for Retail Licensees |
With the upcoming BC Provincial Election, ABLE BC is keeping members informed about key dates, resources, and opportunities to engage ahead of voting day.
Thank you to everyone who joined our elections session earlier this week! We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about the issues affecting BC’s cannabis industry. Key election dates: - October 3, 2026: Candidate nominations close
- October 16–21, 2026: Advance voting
- October 18, 2026: Deadline to request a vote-by-mail package online or by phone
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October 24, 2026: Final Voting Day
- November 18, 2026: Government Returns Day
ABLE BC has an election toolkit available to help licensees stay informed and engaged throughout the election period. To request a copy, please contact Nicole at membership@ablebc.ca.
We encourage all licensees to connect with both their local government and provincial candidates to share perspectives on the issues impacting their businesses and communities. Engaging with candidates is an important opportunity to help ensure the needs of BC’s liquor and hospitality industry are part of the conversation. For official election information, including voting options and important dates, visit Elections BC. |
ABLE BC Cannabis Election Toolkit One-Pager |
Cannabis Policy in Fall Elections |
As British Columbians prepare to vote on October 24, cannabis industry issues remain largely absent from provincial election platforms, despite the sector’s significant economic contribution.
According to StratCann, BC’s cannabis industry generated $666.5 million in cash receipts in 2025, contributed $1.7 billion to provincial GDP in 2024, supported approximately 5,300 jobs, and generated an estimated $190 million in annual tax revenue.
ABLE BC continues to advocate for policies that support a strong, sustainable legal cannabis market, including a provincial minimum distance requirement between cannabis retailers, stronger enforcement against illicit sales, credit card access for wholesale purchases, and public safety grants to help retailers address crime and vandalism. With cannabis policy and retail regulations affecting businesses across the province, ABLE BC encourages licensees to engage with provincial and local government candidates to help ensure industry priorities are part of the conversation.
Read the full article from StratCann. |
Advocacy Update: Support for the 1KM Rule |
Protecting Market Controls and Supporting Local Decision-Making
ABLE BC continues to advocate for a 1 km rule between legal cannabis retail stores, one of our top advocacy priorities. Similar to BC’s existing liquor retail distancing rules, this measure would help prevent market oversaturation, reduce competition between neighbouring stores that can lead to undercutting and cannibalized sales, and support the legal cannabis sector in competing with the illicit market.
The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is seeking feedback on a provincial proposal to introduce a consistent 1 km distance requirement between cannabis retail stores. Local governments currently have the authority to set their own distance criteria, but the proposal would shift this authority to the Province, which recommends that cannabis retail stores be located at least one kilometre apart, consistent with the rules for liquor retailers.
This consultation is an important opportunity to advance a priority ABLE BC has been advocating for and reinforce the need for consistent market controls across BC.
How Can Members Get Involved?
We encourage licensees to engage with their local government candidates ahead of the upcoming local elections, or with newly elected representatives once the results are in. Sharing your experiences and explaining how store clustering affects your business can help ensure the perspectives of cannabis retailers are part of the conversation. ABLE BC will also make template letters available to help members communicate their support for a 1 km rule to local government representatives.
Have questions or want to get involved? To learn more about ABLE BC’s ongoing advocacy, access the template letters or discuss ways to engage with local government representatives, email comms@ablebc.ca. We’ll continue to keep members informed as this work progresses.
Read UBCM’s announcement and learn more about the proposed changes. |
ABLE BC Executive Director Bo Chen & Cannabis Committee Chair Feven Berhane (KushKlub) |
Final Reminder: ABLE BC Cannabis Membership Renewal |
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ABLE BC memberships expired on August 31, 2026. If you haven’t yet renewed, you can still reactivate your membership today.
Your membership directly supports the advocacy work that ensures BC’s cannabis retail sector has a strong, united voice with government.
Membership dues enable ABLE BC to advocate on behalf of licensees, build relationships with decision-makers, monitor emerging issues, and ensure the cannabis industry is represented alongside other well-established industries across British Columbia. By renewing, you’re helping strengthen our industry’s collective voice and supporting the ongoing work that protects and advances the interests of BC’s cannabis sector.
Renewal also restores your access to valuable member programs, resources, and benefits, including the ABLE BC x Western Financial Group Hospitality Insurance Program. Without an active membership, you may no longer be eligible to access these exclusive benefits and services.
It’s not too late to renew. Log in to the Member Portal and follow the renewal instructions on your dashboard. Questions or need assistance?
Contact Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca for help accessing your account or completing your renewal. |
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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Cannabis Becomes Canada's Fifth Most Important Cash Crop |
Cannabis has become a major contributor to Canada’s agricultural economy, ranking as the country’s fifth-largest cash crop in 2025 and accounting for 5.8% of total crop receipts, according to Statistics Canada data compiled by StratCann.
National cannabis crop receipts reached a record $3 billion in 2025, up from $94.8 million in 2016. British Columbia accounted for 22% of the national total, generating $666.5 million in crop receipts, making cannabis the province’s top crop by this measure.
The industry’s broader economic impact continues to grow. Canada’s cannabis sector contributed nearly $11.6 billion to national GDP in 2025, while annual legal cannabis sales exceeded $5 billion.
Read the full article from StratCann. |
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BCHA Fast Track Your Future is Back! |
We’re excited to share that a new season of Fast Track Your Future is here! New this year:
BCHA has created a special Partner Association member rate, making it easier for our members to access practical, industry-led professional development.
The 2026/27 season features 10 series covering leadership, financial skills, AI, human resources, communications, operations, and guest experience.
2026/27 Series Lineup -
Hospitality Financial Leadership (Level 2): Sept 16–Oct 28, 2026 | David Lund, The Hotel Financial Coach
- Leadership for Hospitality Professionals: Oct 6–Nov 10, 2026 | Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions
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AI & Automation in Action — sponsored by Mews: Oct 22–Nov 26, 2026 | Keith Daser & Jason Tate, Deliver Digital Inc.
- Conflict Resolution & Workplace Communication — sponsored by Innfocus Photography: Nov 4–Dec 16, 2026 | Caroline Bagnall, Connect Hospitality Strategies Inc.
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Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality — sponsored by VVS Global: Jan 20–Feb 24, 2027 | go2HR
- Communications & Media Relations for Hospitality: Jan 26–Mar 2, 2027 | Larissa Dundon, Founder, The Tea Communications
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Housekeeping Leadership & Operational Excellence — sponsored by Ecolab: Mar 3–Apr 7, 2027 | David McBean, Hotel Industry Leader & GM
- Managing Profitable Food & Beverage Operations: Mar 9–Apr 13, 2027 | Caroline Bagnall, Connect Hospitality Strategies Inc.
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Advanced Leadership for Hospitality Professionals (Level 2): Apr 14–May 26, 2027 | Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions
- Human-Centered Hospitality: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences: Apr 20–Jun 1, 2027 | Sarah Webb & Daintry Van Cleave, Hotel Industry Leaders
Register for Fast Track Your Future. |
Valued Partners of ABLE BC - Cannabis |
Our valued partners play a vital role in advancing our industry, and we’re proud to highlight their continued support. |
Regional Tariff Response Initiative in BC |
BC businesses affected by tariffs and ongoing global trade pressures may be eligible for financial support through the federal government’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). Delivered in British Columbia by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the initiative is designed to help businesses manage the impacts of tariffs, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets and build greater resilience in response to changing trade conditions. While the program may be particularly relevant to producers, manufacturers and importers, other businesses and organizations affected by tariff-related pressures may also benefit.
What support is available? The RTRI provides several forms of support, including: -
Up to $2 million to help eligible businesses address liquidity and cash-flow pressures resulting from tariffs.
- Up to $1 million for projects that help businesses adapt their operations, develop new products or services, or respond to changing market conditions.
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Additional support for larger projects, including funding that may be repayable.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in adapting, growing or expanding into new markets may also qualify for assistance. The initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s broader tariff response plan, with Canada’s regional development agencies delivering a combined $3.45 billion in support across the country. Businesses and organizations interested in the program review the Government of Canada’s information on eligibility, available support and how to apply. Applications are currently being accepted. |
Canada Investment Summit: New Productivity Mega Deduction |
The federal government has announced a proposed Productivity Mega Deduction that would allow businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of a much broader range of eligible capital investments in the year they become available for use.
Currently, many business investments are deducted over several years through the Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) system. The proposed measure would make approximately two-thirds of investment in capital assets eligible for immediate expensing, up from about 15 per cent under existing measures. What could this mean for liquor businesses?
For liquor retailers, manufacturers, and other liquor businesses planning investments in equipment, technology or other eligible capital assets, the change could mean receiving the associated tax deduction sooner.
Businesses considering store equipment, technology upgrades, or other capital investments should review their plans with their accountant to determine whether the purchases qualify and how timing could affect their tax position.
The government is proposing that the measure apply to most eligible depreciable property acquired on or after September 15, 2026. Certain assets, including some buildings, vehicles and other specified property, are excluded.
What businesses should do now If you are planning a significant capital purchase: - Review upcoming equipment and technology investments.
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Confirm whether the specific asset qualifies for immediate expensing.
- Discuss the timing of purchases with your accountant.
- Keep records of invoices, acquisition dates and when assets are put into use.
The Productivity Mega Deduction is proposed legislation and is not yet finalized, so businesses should confirm the final rules once legislation is introduced and passed.
This article is for general information only and is not tax or financial advice. Resources |
Federal Government Extends Fuel Excise Tax Suspension |
The federal government has announced that the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax will be extended until January 31, 2027.
The extension is intended to provide some relief to Canadians and businesses as fuel and other operating costs continue to put pressure on household and business budgets.
For businesses, lower fuel costs can help reduce some of the expenses associated with transportation, deliveries and supply chains. Fuel prices can also contribute to higher supplier costs and fuel surcharges, which can ultimately increase the cost of goods and services.
For consumers, the continued suspension means some savings at the gas pump, providing modest relief from household transportation costs at a time when affordability remains a concern.
The extension comes as businesses across Canada continue to navigate higher operating costs, changing consumer spending and broader economic uncertainty. For liquor businesses in particular, transportation and distribution costs can have an impact throughout the supply chain, from getting products to stores to managing day-to-day operations. The federal fuel excise tax suspension will now remain in place until January 31, 2027. |
2026 Small Business Week Summit: Free Virtual Sessions |
Small Business Week 2026 takes place from October 19 to October 25 and the BC Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses to participate in the 2026 Small Business Week Summit, featuring practical insights and expert advice to help B.C. businesses navigate today's economic challenges.
With ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions impacting supply chains, costs and customer relationships, this year's Summit focuses on building resilience, protecting profit margins and exploring new market opportunities.
Registration is free, with five one-hour virtual sessions. Times: From 12:00 to 1:00 PM PT
Participants can attend individual sessions or all five. Learn more and REGISTER HERE. |
Member Spotlight: Harvest Moon Cannabis |
Harvest Moon Cannabis brings the spirit of Salt Spring Island to BC’s legal cannabis industry, combining a passion for quality products with the kind of welcoming, personalized service you’d expect from a local shop. What began with a small team on Salt Spring Island has grown into a business serving customers across British Columbia, while staying true to the values that shaped its beginnings: authenticity, quality and community. |
At Harvest Moon Cannabis, every product is carefully selected, with a curated assortment of premium legal cannabis from trusted BC growers alongside select producers from across Canada. The team takes pride in sharing its knowledge and offering thoughtful recommendations to help customers find products that suit their preferences. For Harvest Moon, the experience matters just as much as the products themselves. Building trust, creating a welcoming environment and ensuring customers feel informed and comfortable are central to the business. In a fast-growing industry, the team believes that staying connected to its roots and putting people first is what makes a difference. |
Inspired by the rhythm of the West Coast and the independent spirit of Salt Spring Island, Harvest Moon Cannabis continues to bring a local touch to BC’s evolving cannabis retail landscape. |
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go2HR: Your Team Worked Hard All Summer, Now What?
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Summer pushed BC's tourism and hospitality industry hard this year with full patios, big events, and back-to-back shifts. As things settle down, burnout often surfaces, and leaders have a responsibility to help their teams recover.
Know what to look for. Withdrawal, more mistakes than usual, or a noticeable dip in mood can all point to burnout. go2HR's Fatigue & Burnout Assessment Checklist for Supervisors can help you spot it early and know how to respond.
Make check-ins part of the routine. Asking someone how they're really doing, and actually listening, goes a long way. Debriefing as a team after a tough shift can also help everyone reset before they head home. Stay flexible when you can. A temporary adjustment to hours or workload tells staff their wellbeing isn't an afterthought.
Get free PH&S support from go2HR. go2HR's free 30-minute Psychological Health and Safety mini sessions cover topics like seasonal burnout, psychological safety, and managing the seasonal rush, built specifically for tourism and hospitality employers.
Book Your Free PH&S Mini Session |
Top Left: ABLE BC Sept 21 Reception Volunteers, Rae & Bahar from Craft Greenery Cannabis
Top Right: ABLE BC visiting Kim Barton (BWI & Zipmaster) at their new office
Below Left: Executive Director Bo Chen with IRL Group GM Tom Young, day after ABLE BC's Sept 21 Reception
Below Right: James Grass (Chef's Favourite) & Hon. Terry Yung, at ABLE BC Sept 21 Reception |
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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