Your membership may be overdue, Surrey accepting cannabis retail submissions, pesticide use on cannabis, and more --------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: September 11, 2024 |
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Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: - ABLE BC's Advocacy for Cannabis Sales at Events
- ABLE BC Memberships Now Overdue
- BC Cannabis Wholesale 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
- Surrey Private Cannabis Retail Submission Deadline
- Health Canada Seeks Feedback on Pesticide Uses on Cannabis
- SNDL to Purchase Indiva
- Unlicensed Dispensary Fined $3.2 Million
- Changes to Canada's TFW Program
- Celebrating ABLE BC Cannabis Members!
- go2HR on Tap: Navigating Workplace Injuries & Supporting Worker Recovery
- Member Spotlight: Craft Greenery Cannabis
- Out and About with ABLE BC
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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ABLE BC's Advocacy for Cannabis Sales at Events
As you know, ABLE BC is advocating on behalf of our cannabis members for a regulatory framework to allow cannabis sales at events. You can read past updates about our work on this here, here, and here.
In the August Cannabis Industry Update, we discussed work on a proposal to the LCRB about cannabis sales at events, and we asked members to share their thoughts to ensure your perspective is reflected in our proposal. Many of you reached out to discuss how you think cannabis sales should be handled at events. We appreciate everyone who reached out with comments – your thoughtful engagement is a testament to the professionalism, creativity, and modern business approach of our industry.
Since then, Jeff Guignard, ABLE BC Executive Director, Bo Chen, ABLE BC Head of Cannabis Membership, and the ABLE BC Cannabis Advisory have consulted in depth with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) about cannabis at events.
Through conversations with the LCRB, cannabis retailers, and other industry stakeholders, a consensus has emerged on the need for Cannabis Retail Store licensees to have Temporary Offsite Sale Endorsements, rather than a Cannabis Special Event Permit, as we have previously noted. This approach will ensure that all cannabis sales in BC are carried out safely and responsibly by licensed cannabis retailers. We are optimistic that our LCRB partners will implement a policy framework benefitting BC’s private cannabis industry.
We will provide further updates as they are available. |
ABLE BC staff and Cannabis Advisory consultation with the LCRB |
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BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health
The Canadian Mental Health Association has created a resource hub for 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 david@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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ABLE BC Memberships Now Overdue
ABLE BC memberships expired on August 31, 2024. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, then you are at risk of losing access to free resources and exclusive services and pricing from our benefit providers.
Login to the Member Portal now to renew!
ABLE BC is your seat at the table. We are your united voice, and we make a strong impact on government, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed.
We are only able to do this work because of the support of our members. Put simply, ABLE BC does not exist without your membership dues.
If you have questions about your renewal, don't know how to log into the Member Portal, or would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Bo Chen, Head of Cannabis Membership, at bo@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560 ex. 2.
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BC Cannabis Wholesale 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
BC Cannabis Wholesale invites you to participate in their 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey.
The goal of the survey is to gain a better understanding of BC Cannabis Wholesale customers’ experience across a variety of areas and identify opportunities for improvement to help BC Cannabis Wholesale meet and exceed your needs.
The survey will be accessible until Sept 16, 2024, and should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete (depending on the level of detail the participants choose to provide).
Wholesale customers are welcome to share the link with members of their teams who would also like to provide their feedback.
The survey is available through the wholesale website, www.bccannabiswholesale.com, or the following link: https://surveyxmp.jag.gov.bc.ca/s/somk23 Your insights and feedback are essential to BC Cannabis Wholesale's commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring a positive experience for their valued retailers. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts through this survey. Privacy and information collection notice: This survey is anonymous. |
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SNDL to Purchase Indiva
SNDL, the largest private-sector liquor and cannabis retailer in Canada, has announced a successful bid to purchase Indiva, an Ontario-based cannabis edibles producer. The acquisition includes Indiva’s production facility in London, Ontario and their portfolio of licensed brands, including Pearls by Grön, No Future, Wana, and Bhang Chocolate. The acquisition is subject to approval by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. |
Unlicensed Dispensary Fined $3.2 Million
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 fined the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC), an unlicensed medical dispensary, $3.2 million. This fine comes after a series of CSU inspections and hearings beginning in 2019.
The compliance order issued by the CSU states that the VCBC has been selling cannabis without proper licensing and permits, contrary to the CCLA and the federal Cannabis Act.
If you have questions about the CSU, enforcement actions, or what the province is doing to address illicit operations, please reach out to Bo Chen, Head of Cannabis Membership, at bo@ablebc.ca. |
Changes to Canada's TFW Program
The federal government recently announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program that will significantly cut the number of TFWs available for BC’s hospitality and liquor and cannabis retail businesses. The following changes will come into effect by September 26, 2024: -
In metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, the government will no longer process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the Low-Wage stream;
- Employers will be restricted to a maximum of 10% of their total workforce coming from the TFW Program; and
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The maximum duration of employment for workers hired through the Low-Wage stream will be reduced to one year.
We are deeply concerned that these changes will only exacerbate existing labour shortages for hospitality and retail businesses. We are disappointed that liquor and hospitality industry associations, including ABLE BC, Restaurants Canada, the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA), and others, were not consulted by government before making this decision.
While we support government’s intention to ensure the TFW Program is only used when local workers are unavailable, these changes are not a practical solution to our industry’s labour challenges. Read Restaurants Canada’s FAQ on TFW changes here to learn more about how these changes might affect your business.
ABLE BC members can access recruitment support from the BC Hotel Association’s Workforce Strategist, Alison Langford. Alison offers a free consultation and a one-time $250 fee for additional work to ABLE BC members. Contact Alison at alison@bcha.com to learn more about how she can help you.
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go2HR on Tap:
Navigating Workplace Injuries & Supporting Worker Recovery
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.
Workplace injuries can occur despite our best efforts to maintain a healthy and safe environment. In the service and hospitality sector, 35% of serious injury claims are due to slips, trips, and falls, according to WorkSafeBC. When a workplace injury occurs, it’s crucial to act immediately: administer first aid, secure the area, and contact emergency services if necessary. Additionally, compile accurate incident documentation (time, location, and witness accounts) to meet WorkSafeBC reporting requirements and when carrying out internal investigations.
Remember, employers must report certain injuries to WorkSafeBC within three days using Form 7 (including injuries that involve lost time, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness). Timely reporting helps employers avoid penalties and ensures workers get the support they need.
Equally important is facilitating a timely and smooth return to work. Creating a structured return-to-work program is more than just a legal obligation—it’s key to supporting your workers’ physical and psychological recovery and keeping your operations running smoothly. A return-to-work program benefits both the worker and employer by promoting faster recovery, maintaining productivity, and reducing costs associated with lost time.
go2HR’s team of health and safety experts are on hand to help you navigate this complex topic. Request a free Health & Safety Consultation today for tailored support, and visit our Injury Management page for more information and helpful resources on this topic.
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: Craft Greenery Cannabis |
At Craft Greenery Cannabis, we pride ourselves on creating a personalized and relaxed customer experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. We’re strong advocates of BC’s Direct Delivery program, which allows us to offer fresh and unique products sourced directly from small-batch local growers.
We joined ABLE BC because we believe in supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of BC’s cannabis and liquor industries. The Craft Greenery Cannabis team sees ourselves as part of a larger movement to promote fair regulations, enhance consumer education, and create a level playing field for independent retailers like us.
ABLE BC gives us a stronger voice in advocating for policies that benefit small businesses and ensure the diversity of our industry, helping us maintain our focus on offering quality, locally sourced products. Being part of this organization allows us to stay connected with other like-minded retailers and actively contribute to shaping the future of cannabis retail in BC. |
Out and About with ABLE BC
Bo Chen, ABLE BC’s Head of Cannabis Membership, has been getting out of the office to visit members throughout the Lower Mainland. Recently, he has stopped in to chat with the owners and staff of Cotton Mouth in Davie Village in Vancouver and 1st Cannabis and Green Star Cannabis in North Vancouver.
Meeting with our members and industry colleagues in person is one of the ways we stay informed on what matters most to BC’s private cannabis retailers.
Want to meet with Bo? Reach out to bo@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560 ex 2 to book a meeting or call today. |
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Bo visited some cannabis members recently: 1st Cannabis in North Vancouver, Cotton Mouth in Vancouver, and Green Star Cannabis in North Vancouver |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: - Abbotsford Liquor Industry Meeting, September 12
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Penticton Liquor Industry Meeting, September 16
- Kelowna Liquor Industry Meeting, September 17
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Good Night Out Recognition Event, Vancouver, September 17
- Victoria International Wine Festival Trade Tasting, October 4
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High Ground Cannabis Expo, Duncan, October 4-6
- North Vancouver Liquor Industry Meeting, October 7
- Vancouver Liquor Industry Meeting, October 8
- Whistler Liquor Industry Meeting, October 9
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BC Tourism Industry Conference, Vancouver, March 5-7, 2025
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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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