Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General Gary Begg, SPARK cannabis highlights, Growing Relationships, and more --------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: February 12, 2025 |
Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: |
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ABLE BC & Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General
Last week, ABLE BC's Head of Cannabis Membership, Bo Chen, and Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, met with the Honourable Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General. Also in attendance was ABLE BC's President, Yvan Charette (Green Star), Cannabis Advisory Chair, Feven Berhane (KushKlub), past Chair, Steve Dowsley (Burb), and other members representing both liquor and cannabis businesses.
The ABLE BC team was very clear with Minister Begg about the needs of BC's private cannabis retailers. He understands that modernized cannabis policy, alongside enforcement actions, is required to compete with the illicit market. Some examples of policy we are pushing for include: -
Establishing a minimum provincial distance criteria,
- Allow retailers to pay for wholesale purchases with credit cards,
- And allow retailers more flexibility with loyalty programs and selling snacks.
We are pleased to report that Minister Begg understands the need to strengthen the cannabis industry and that this industry is an important contributor to BC's economic health.
Feven in particular was impressed with the collaboration between ABLE BC members and the sincerity Minister Begg showed for her opinions and the needs of cannabis retailers. "I'm pleased to see cannabis professionals and other industries working together and supporting each other," said Feven. "It's essential we continue to share perspectives and wins as we focus on the long term health of all our industries."
ABLE BC unites the voices of cannabis and liquor professionals, ensuring our members not only have a seat at the table, but your concerns are heard and addressed by government. "Banding together with ABLE BC, other industry professionals, and like-minded cannabis retailers is essential to the growth and development of the private cannabis industry," said Feven. "Meeting with Minister Begg and being respected at the table along with other well-established industries was a historical moment for me, and I am optimistic for the future!"
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Cannabis & liquor members meeting with Minister Begg |
Did you know ABLE BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy for the private liquor and cannabis industries this year? Click below to learn more and help us celebrate! |
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People Working Well The CMHA BC and go2HR have created a resource for tourism and hospitality employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
| Liquor Industry Update Newsletter
Sign up for our Liquor Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for liquor businesses. Click here to read past liquor newsletters. |
| ABLE BC Member Portal
The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact bo@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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SPARK 2025: Cannabis Industry Highlights
The SPARK 2025 program is your ticket to success! From inspiring keynote speakers and networking opportunities, this year's lineup is designed to ignite ideas and spark connections. Here's what cannabis retailers can look forward to at SPARK 2025: - Discussions about cannabis policies with the LCRB & industry's outlook on modernizing
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A closer look at cannabis trends across product categories with the LDB
- Exploring Canna Tourism & Hospitality with cross-industry professionals
- Networking with canna-colleagues, government leaders, and industry suppliers
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And more!
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Member Price: $549
Log in to the Member Portal to secure your member rate.
Non-Member Price: $649 Discounted Group Rates Available
Save up to 25% when you register two or more people. Contact jesse@ablebc.ca to claim your group rate. |
New GS1 Barcodes Coming for Cannabis Products
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) and BC Cannabis Wholesale Operations are supporting a national change to barcode formats on licensed non-medical cannabis products. ABLE BC shared the GS1 Canada Barcode Readiness Survey in August 2024 to help prepare industry for the changes coming next year.
As of March 31, 2025, the LDB will authorize Licensed Producers to use the GS1 DataMatrix barcode on cannabis retail packaging. The new GS1 DataMatrix barcode format will improve scanning accuracy and reduce the required barcode size. The new barcode only impacts retail packaging, there is no change to the required GS1-128 barcode on the shipping case.
To avoid scanning issues, please confirm your hardware and software systems support the GS1 DataMatrix barcode. To help ensure you are prepared to handle products with the GS1 DataMatrix barcode, GS1 Canada have provided the following guidance: -
Scanner Readiness: Ensure your scanners can read GS1 DataMatrix symbols, which require two-dimensional scanning technology (such as camera or imaging-based scanners). Laser scanners that are commonly used for linear barcodes will not be able to read 2D barcodes like GS1 DataMatrix. Most scanners capable of reading GS1 DataMatrix can also scan linear barcodes such as GS1-128, GS1 DataBar Expanded, and UPC-A.
- System Compatibility: Confirm that your internal systems, including POS systems, are capable of receiving, storing, and processing the additional information encoded in GS1 DataMatrix, such as batch/lot numbers and packaging dates.
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CSU & RCMP Enforcement Actions on Illicit Cannabis Operations
The Community Safety Unit (CSU), which carries out compliance and enforcement under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act (CCLA), is continuing work to address illicit cannabis operations in BC.
Recently, the CSU and RCMP have taken enforcement actions against illicit cannabis operations in Burnaby, North Vancouver, Vancouver, and Gibsons. We appreciate the province's continued enforcement efforts that support legal and responsible cannabis operators.
Research from the University of Montreal shows that illegal operators offering online sales commonly accept Interac e-transfer as payment. Licensed retailers can help combat illicit online sales by submitting complaints to the CSU and by improving their own eCommerce with help from Breadstack.
If you are interested in learning more about the CSU, enforcement actions, Breadstack and eCommerce for cannabis operators, we encourage you to register for SPARK 2025. Conference programming aims to education cannabis retailers on these topics and more. |
BCGEU Collective Agreement Expires March 31
As you may already be aware, the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) collective agreement expires on March 31. In 2022, cannabis retailers were greatly impacted by BCGEU labour action. Many of you have already reached out with concerns about the possibility of similar action happening again.
That strike hurt your businesses and workers and led to millions in lost revenue. To be blunt, industry cannot afford another similar disruption. In the coming months we will be delivering that message directly to government and the BCGEU. We will continue to monitor negotiations and will keep members apprised of developments. Please contact bo@ablebc.ca if you have questions or concerns. |
Recap of Growing Relationships at Mission Springs Brewery
On Monday, Jeff and Bo attended StratCann's Growing Relationships event at Mission Springs Brewery. Thank you StratCann for putting on a great event with networking and informative discussions. Several ABLE BC members were there to meet with producers and participate on panels and roundtable discussions.
We were especially excited to see one of BC's first legal cannabis-friendly patios in action! ABLE BC pushed for LCRB Bulletin 24-01, which allows licensees to promote cannabis consumption spaces and permits cannabis consumption in areas where smoking or vaping tobacco is allowed. It's great to see our cannabis members, like Laura Rowse of Cheeky's Cannabis Merchants, collaborate with Liquor Primary licensees to create cannabis friendly environments! StratCann had this to say about the event:
"This is the first time in our four years of delivering these events that we have a legitimate space for consumption. Cheeky’s made fantastic updates to the patio, creating a welcoming atmosphere and demonstrating incredible support. With Mission Springs Brewery and Cheeky’s Cannabis, we found a great setting for a B2B cannabis industry event that truly supports the professional community. Having that option at an event venue offers a level of dignity around consumption, ensures we don't lose people because they have to leave the venue to consume, and aligns with how alcohol is treated at an age-gated event. We know that the community and event services like ours would like to see more venues with cannabis consumption spaces, bringing it in line with how the alcohol industry is managed - to level the playing field. We would like to see more municipal and provincial grants and services that support hospitality services and also support venues in providing cannabis-friendly consumption spaces for events of all sizes."
Contact events@stratcann.com to learn more about StratCann's events or info@cheekyscannabis.ca to inquire about cannabis event bookings at Mission Springs Brewery.
Questions on cannabis consumption spaces? Reach out to Bo Chen, ABLE BC's Head of Cannabis Memberships at bo@ablebc.ca. |
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Growing Relationships attendees at Mission Springs Brewery |
Laura (Cheeky's) and Jeff (ABLE BC) at Growing Relationships |
Ask an Expert: Understanding the Unionization Process
Ryan Anderson, Partner at Mathews Dinsdale and employment law expert and trusted advisor to the ABLE BC team for labour and employment law questions, is the best resource for all your unionization questions. Ryan has prepared a series of articles on unionization (all available in the ABLE BC Member Portal), and today we're rewinding back to the start. Keep reading to learn about the basics of unions.
How Does a Union Achieve the Right to Represent Employees?
Certification is the process by which the BC Labour Relations Board certifies that a group of employees has become unionized and will be represented by the applicant union. There are two paths to union certification.
The first, and longer, path requires a union to persuade at least 45%, but less than 55%, of a group of employees to sign union cards. If at least 45% but less than 55% of employees sign a union card, the Board conducts a secret ballot vote. At the vote, all eligible employees (whether they signed a union card or not) will have an opportunity to vote for or against the union. If a majority vote in favour of the union, the union will be certified and all employees will become unionized. If not, the application will be dismissed.
The second path is a shortcut. If a union persuades 55% or more of employees to sign union cards, the certification application is automatically granted by the Board, without any subsequent vote. Not surprisingly, most unions won’t apply for certification until they have met the 55% threshold – secret ballot votes have become rare. How to Respond to an Application for Certification Fast – that’s how! If you see a notice of application from the Board, you must respond immediately, but don’t do so without good advice. You are required to provide information about your workforce within 24 hours. A Board hearing will be set within five days of the date of application.
You will need to make important strategic decisions in that very short time frame, and you may have an opportunity to challenge the application. All this needs to be assessed before you respond to the application, and how you respond could have a critical impact on the outcome of the application.
There will be no time to waste, but you should never respond without expert labour relations advice. That’s where the team at Mathews Dinsdale comes in. Reach out to Ryan Anderson at 604-638-2042 or randerson@mathewsdinsdale.com if you have any questions about unionization.
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go2HR on Tap:
Navigating Uncertainty - Keeping your Team Safe & Confident
go2HR is a regular contributor to the ABLE BC Cannabis Industry Update newsletter, providing tips and guidance on current HR trends, new legislation, employee recruitment and retention, and more. To read the latest instalment, sign in to the member portal or sign up for the newsletter.
Working in pubs, bars, and liquor or cannabis stores is fast-paced and rewarding, but also comes with unique challenges—from handling difficult customers to ensuring staff safety during late shifts. A strong safety culture helps protect your team, improve customer interactions, and create a better work environment for everyone.
Key Strategies for a Safer Workplace -
Recognize Risks: Train staff to identify potential hazards, from aggressive behaviour to unsafe work conditions. Clear safety protocols and risk assessments help prevent incidents before they escalate.
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Master De-escalation: When tensions rise, calm communication, neutral body language, and redirecting the situation can prevent conflicts from escalating. Avoid defensive language or ultimatums that may aggravate the situation.
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Prioritize Personal Safety: Encourage staff to position themselves near exits, use check-in systems when working alone, and leave situations that feel unsafe.
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Respond to Intoxication & Mental Health Concerns: Teach employees to approach individuals with respect and compassion, offer practical assistance, and involve additional support when needed.
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Leverage Workplace Resources: Safety training, incident reporting, and debriefing procedures help staff feel prepared and supported. Consider additional training on de-escalation and crisis response.
By fostering a culture of safety and respect, you protect your staff, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen your business. When your team feels confident and supported, everyone wins.
Want some help with Workplace Psychological Health and Safety? Get in touch with our consultant today!
go2HR, the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of free resources to support cannabis retailers. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees at hr@go2HR.ca
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Member Spotlight: Imagine Cannabis Co |
Imagine Cannabis Co provides consumers with a boutique buying experience that is warm, professional, trustworthy and with a high level of service. Their retail stores are leaders in delivering secure, safe, and responsible access to legal cannabis. |
Out and About with ABLE BC
We had a great time at the Growing Relationships event in Mission earlier this week! We love meeting cannabis professionals from across BC and learning more about your businesses and what you need from your industry association. We hope to meet even more members and other industry folks at SPARK 2025 on March 5 in Vancouver.
Jeff Guignard, ABLE BC's Executive Director, was in the media recently, speaking to CBC's Michelle Eliot about revitalizing the Granville Entertainment District in Vancouver. Jeff spoke to the need for investing in public safety and economic development that supports hospitality and retail beyond just nightlife. The revitalization we're working towards will create new opportunities for all business types, regardless of industry.
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Bo Chen and Jeff Guignard with Surrey Councillor Linda Annis |
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Jeff (ABLE BC), Feven (KushKlub), and Steve (Burb) at a meeting with Minister Garry Begg |
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Mathieu Aubin (Rubicon Organics), Deepak Anand, and Jeff at Growing Relationships |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: - SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference, Vancouver, March 5
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BC Tourism Industry Conference, Vancouver, March 5-7
- WORTH Leadership Summit, Vancouver, March 11
- Cannabis Hospitality Summit, Vancouver, March 14-15
- BCHA Summit, Vancouver, April 22-23
- North Vancouver Cannabis Expo, August 23
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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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