Strike Updates, Advocacy Updates, Property Taxes and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: October 8, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: - Update on BCGEU Strike: Week Six
- Joint Industry Association Letter to BCGEU
- ABLE BC: Media and Empowering Small Businesses with a Voice
BC's Minister of Agriculture & Cannabis: Advocacy Update Vancouver City Council Votes to Freeze Property Taxes in Next Budget WorkSafeBC Gratuity: Industry Urges Policy Reconsideration - Changes to CPP Contributions and Benefits in 2025
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go2HR: Building Safer, Stronger Workplaces
- Member Spotlight: Skye Cannabis Co.
- Out and About with ABLE BC
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
- Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
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Update on BCGEU Strike: Week Six |
Here is the latest on the BCGEU strike action as we enter the sixth week of disruptions: Strike Escalates to Remaining BC Liquor Stores and BC Cannabis Stores
Earlier today, strikes have escalated to all remaining government operated retail stores for both liquor and cannabis across the province.
Additionally, industry is also now experiencing strike disruptions to provincial licensing operations for liquor and cannabis as well. Which ABLE BC notes, will likely impact delays to new business applications, amendments, and special events planned for the Fall season. This escalation follows a mass rally at the BC Legislature on October 6, where more than 10,000 union members demanded a fair deal for striking public service workers. The BCGEU’s bargaining committee continues to call for a 4% general wage increase per year for two years, while the provincial government’s most recent offer remains at 2% per year. This morning, the BCGEU released a Strike Pay Update to their members. Industry Remains United
The past few days, ABLE BC has been actively working together with industry partners in both liquor and cannabis to navigate the current challenges and address issues such as inventory shortages, products stuck in production facilities, and how industry can continue to fulfill market demands of local economies in their communities. During a difficult time in our supply chain, members and licensees are looking towards the direct delivery system as a means to alleviate current pressures placed upon the small business community. The collaborative efforts of industry are encouraging and has brought positive momentum in building a closer relationship between local small businesses and BC brands. ABLE BC's Bo Chen commented:
"We're now seeing more efforts by licensees and producers to invest their focus into select products that are allowed on the direct delivery channels for both liquor and cannabis. Even though it doesn't fulfill all of the market demands, it is an essential part of our supply chain that ABLE BC will continue to advocate for with our government partners. On behalf of our hospitality and retail licensees, I'd like to thank the producers for rolling up their sleeves and stepping up to help where they can for the rest of our industry.
As more BC brands continue to be highlighted, I anticipate to see more options and offerings to become available soon as direct delivery producers continues to pivot and invest in that channel. I strongly encourage ABLE BC Members to proactively connect with liquor and cannabis producers that are approved for direct delivery". Direct Delivery Options -
Craft Cannabis: browse BC Cannabis Alliance members that can ship directly to private cannabis stores in BC. Additionally, cannabis retailers can check out bcdd.ca/directory to see other direct delivery eligible cannabis products (Note: you need to sign-up and then get verified before you can have full access).
Media Requests: Please contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca |
Joint Industry Association Letter |
Yesterday, ABLE BC joined the BC Craft Brewers Guild, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, and Wine Growers BC in signing a joint letter to BCGEU President Paul Finch.
The letter expresses support for the BCGEU’s right to strike and calls on the provincial government to return to the bargaining table immediately. However, it also raises serious concerns about the impact of the ongoing strike at the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) warehouse and head office in Burnaby - particularly on small businesses across BC’s liquor, hospitality, and tourism sectors.
The associations have proposed that the BCGEU redirect its strike activities from the LDB distribution centres to BC Liquor Stores (BCLs). This adjustment would allow the delivery of BC craft beer and wine to continue flowing to the hospitality sector, helping local businesses stay afloat while the union continues its job action. |
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ABLE BC: Media and Empowering Small Businesses with a Voice |
ABLE BC is actively advocating on your behalf during the ongoing BCGEU strike. Our team has been working with media, government, and industry partners to highlight the serious impacts of distribution centre closures on small businesses and to push for fair, timely solutions.
Over the past several weeks, ABLE BC and our members have spoken with multiple news outlets, ensuring your concerns are front and centre in the public conversation, including: -
Global News: Uncertainty looms as talks set to resume between BCGEU and the province this week.
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City News: Liquor store employees join BCGEU picket lines.
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CBC BC: 60% of this B.C. cannabis store's supply chain cut off by BCGEU strike.
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Global News: BCGEU strike could lead to liquor supply shortages
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Global News: Strike expands to cannabis and liquor warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: Restaurants brace for 'widespread shortages' as BCGEU strike expands to liquor distribution warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: 'It's a mess for everybody': B.C. cannabis retailers on edge as strike hits warehouses.
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Vancouver Sun: B.C. public-sector workers expand strike to liquor, cannabis warehouses
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AM 1150: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
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MyNelsonNow: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
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Castanet: Vernon cannabis retailer calls for union to stop picketing distribution warehouse
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Vancouver Sun: Metro Vancouver restaurants, bars keep pivoting as liquor strike continues
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Global News: BCGEU Strikes Impacting Booze Biz
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CBC News: BC should let restaurants, pubs buy liquor from private stores
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Business in Vancouver: BCGEU strike prompts renewed calls for BC liquor law changes
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CBC News: All BC government liquor and cannabis stores now behind workers' pickets
Additionally, Bo comments:
"It's important people understand what's at risk here for small businesses and the dedicated community behind them. Our industry is caught in the middle of this labour dispute, so empowering small businesses with a voice is something ABLE BC and our advocacy partners are proud to support." For Media Requests & Collective Industry Messaging:
Please reach out to Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca. |
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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 jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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BC Minister of Agriculture & Cannabis: ABLE BC Advocacy Update |
Despite escalating strike disruptions to our industry's supply chain, ABLE BC has remained committed to on-going advocacy work with Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Lana Popham to ensure that efforts in building essential policies will continue on.
These past few weeks, ABLE BC met with Minister Lana Popham to focus on the priorities for our sector. ABLE BC's Cannabis Committee and Industry Allies took the opportunity to raise awareness of industry's history, current situation, and future outlook for viability and modernization.
ABLE BC's Bo Chen commented: "It was a pleasure to host Minister Popham and her team for a craft cannabis facility tour. I appreciate the Minister for making time during her busy wineries tour schedule to engage our industry and start the progress towards building a collaborative relationship." |
Bo continues: "The engagements have been very productive, I personally enjoyed how passionate the Minister was in learning more about our industry as well as connecting her directly with our members from different regions." This progress reflects the result of ongoing, dedicated advocacy by ABLE BC and the strong support of our Cannabis Members & industry allies.
Municipalities Template Letter
In September, ABLE BC submitted detailed industry recommendations to the LCRB as part of the government’s current cannabis policy engagement on Sales at Events and Market Controls. Our submissions emphasized practical, evidence-based solutions to help strengthen retail operations, improve consumer access, and support responsible sector growth.
Following these submissions, ABLE BC met directly with the LCRB to further discuss the nuances and benefits of these proposed policy changes - reinforcing how they can provide much-needed stability and sustainable growth for our industry. As part of this continued advocacy, ABLE BC has also prepared a Template Letter for cannabis retailers to send to their municipality and city staff.
The objective: help retailers inform their municipalities about the LCRB’s current work on market controls, and share their support for foundational policies that will focus on market stability and viability.
To request a copy of the Template Letter, please contact Bo at bo@ablebc.ca |
Minister Lana Popham (middle) with ABLE BC: Bo Chen, Feven Berhane, Steve Dowsley, Mike McKee |
Vancouver City Council Votes to Freeze Property Taxes in Next Budget |
Earlier this morning, Vancouver City Council approved a motion by Mayor Ken Sim on to direct staff to prepare a zero per cent property tax increase in the next budget. ABLE BC's Bo Chen comments:
"This is welcomed news. The 0% increase in property tax will help provide Vancouverites and the small business community, a confident financial outlook and stability during uncertain times."
Global News reports, Sim’s motion directs staff to find savings, while prioritizing core city services and maintaining community grants, library and community centre services. However, delivering a zero per cent increase would require cutting about $100 million from the city’s operating budget. We will share more details on this issue as they become available. |
WorkSafeBC Gratuity: Industry Urges Policy Reconsideration |
The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA), supported by ABLE BC and other industry partners, sent a joint letter to WorkSafeBC raising concerns about the enforcement of a gratuity payroll inclusion policy.
For over 20 months, the BCRFA and partners have engaged with WorkSafeBC leadership on this issue. Historically, gratuities have never been included as part of payroll in the hospitality sector - nor is it common practice in other industries where tips are standard. Until recently, WorkSafeBC had chosen not to enforce this policy, recognizing the complexity and financial burden it would place on small businesses.
That changed in fall 2023, when a long-established restaurant was audited and penalized for not including gratuities in payroll. Although WorkSafeBC ultimately reversed those penalties, more businesses are now facing audits, fines, and costly reassessments - at a time when BC’s hospitality and service industries can least afford it. In the letter, the BCRFA, ABLE BC, and our industry partners respectfully requested that WorkSafeBC: - Suspend the gratuity payroll directive for three years.
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Reverse audit decisions and penalties from the last two years.
- Collaborate with industry during this period on creative, practical solutions - including proper education and implementation plans.
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Establish a joint task force to simplify WorkSafeBC policy implementation for small businesses, reduce red tape, and improve compliance.
- ABLE BC will continue to stand alongside our partners to advocate for fair and practical policies that allow BC’s hospitality and service industries to thrive.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca. |
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Changes to CPP Contributions and Benefits in 2025 |
We want to share an important update from the Government of Canada about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). As of this year, CPP gives Canadians stronger retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. With these changes, your team might have questions.
What you should know: - Higher future benefits: The CPP will increase the portion of retirement earnings it replaces, from 25% to 33%. This covers contributions made under the new rules.
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New contribution rules: In 2025, CPP introduces a second earnings ceiling. If someone earns more than $71,300, CPP contributions will now apply to income up to $81,200. This change means higher contributions for high earners, leading to bigger future benefits.
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Disability and survivor pensions: These benefits will increase for everyone contributing under the enhanced plan.
- More support for families:
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Children of disabled or deceased contributors are covered up to age 24 if they are part-time students.
- Estates get an extra $2,500 death benefit if there is no surviving spouse.
- Some children’s benefits will be extended when a disabled parent turns 65.
What you need to do: - Employees do not need to act. Payroll deductions adjust automatically.
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Business owners and payroll teams must update payroll systems to reflect both income ceilings. Check that deductions and reporting are accurate under the new rules.
These changes bring a stronger safety net for retirement and unexpected events. Contributions might go up slightly for higher earners, but the goal is to give your team more support from CPP in the long run.
Helpful Resources: |
go2HR: Building Safer, Stronger Workplaces
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Worker Perspectives on Safety: New Insights
go2HR recently surveyed Tourism and Hospitality workers to understand how safe they feel at work. The results show that while many are confident in basic safety protocols, concerns remain around stress, fatigue, communication, and having a voice on safety committees.
The findings shine a light on what workers may not always share directly and provide employers with practical ways to respond.
Download and share the report to keep building stronger workforces and safer workplaces in BC's Tourism & Hospitality industry!
Free Webinar: Implementing Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace
go2HR is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, October 9 (10:00-11:00 AM PT) to explore common psychological hazards that impact staff and service quality, along with tools and resources to control or manage them, based on WorkSafeBC’s Framework for Psychological Health and Safety.
In this session, participants will learn practical strategies to build a workplace culture where employees feel respected, supported, and confident to speak up, leading to stronger teams, safer workplaces, and better guest experiences. A timely opportunity for your associates to deepen knowledge and take action on workplace well-being. |
Member Spotlight: Skye Cannabis Co. |
Located just off Highway 97 at 1192 Industrial Road, Skye Cannabis is a welcoming, community-minded retailer that’s bringing a local touch to West Kelowna’s cannabis scene.
The team set out to create the modern-day version of Cheers - a place where everyone feels comfortable and known by name. With an industrial-chic layout and all products on display, Skye makes the shopping experience transparent and approachable for every customer, from first-time visitors to experienced consumers.
The store offers a wide selection of cannabis products, including 40 kinds of flower, 30 vape varieties, edibles, oils, topicals, and extracts like hash, kief, and shatter. Staff are longtime West Kelowna locals with years of industry experience, and seniors 55+ receive a 10% discount every Sunday. |
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events:
BC Restaurants Hall of Fame, Vancouver, October 20
TOTA Summit, Kelowna, October 22-23 - Grow Up Conference & Expo, Vancouver, January 20-21, 2026
2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference, Kelowna, March 4-6, 2026
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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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