National Cannabis Working Group announces two new industry councils to support producers displacing the illegal market and increase Canada’s leadership in the global cannabis market

(OTTAWA) – June 30, 2020 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce National Cannabis Working Group, comprised of over 70 industry-leading companies is pleased to announce the creation of the National License Holders Council and the International Cannabis Council.

As Canada considers how to boost its economy after the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s burgeoning cannabis industry is in a position to create new Canadian jobs in this nascent global industry. To support these efforts, the National Cannabis Working Group, the national voice of Canada’s cannabis industry, is creating two councils to address some the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities.

First, the working group has established the National License Holders Council to provide direct policy support for producers in the lead up to the three-year review of the Cannabis Act scheduled to begin in 2021. This will include advocating for improvements to federal policies and regulations in the areas such as marketing and branding, regulatory service standards, and import and export.

Second, the working group has formed the International Cannabis Council to support Canada’s leadership in the development of international cannabis trade, rules and regulations.

“In a short period of time, Canada’s regulated cannabis producers have created thousands of high quality jobs across the entire country. The launch of our National License Holders Council will assist these companies looking to support Canada’s economic recovery and create more jobs by further displacing Canada’s robust illegal cannabis market,” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The National License Holders Council will be led by industry co-chairs:

• Ivan Ross Vrana, Vice President Government Relations/Business Development at Eve & Co, a licensed medical and adult-use cannabis producer located in Strathroy, ON
• Karine Cousineau, Director, Director Government Relations and Sustainability at The Green Organic Dutchman, a licensed medical and adult cannabis producer with operations in Ancaster, ON and Valleyfield, QC

“One year ago today the Canadian Chamber launched our National Cannabis Working Group with 17 members. Now with more than 70 members, we’re taking the next step to support the Canadian cannabis industry’s global ambitions with the creation of the International Cannabis Council,” said Ryan Greer, Cannabis Policy Lead at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “The council will be able to leverage the Canadian Chamber’s work with the International Chamber of Commerce, Business at OECD and other organizations to help advance Canada’s international cannabis interests,” continued Greer.

The International Cannabis Council will be led by industry co-chairs:

•  Cameron Bishop, Vice President Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations at Organigram a licensed medical and adult-use cannabis producer located in Moncton, NB
• Nathan Mison, Chief Executive Officer at Diplomat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm with significant cannabis expertise and offices located across Canada

About the National Cannabis Working Group
Since its launch in June 2019, the National Cannabis Working Group has grown to more than 70 organizations with a shared interest of improving the growth and competitiveness of the Canadian cannabis industry while helping governments achieve their health and safety objectives. Follow us on twitter at @CCC_Cannabis.

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Because Business Matters
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce helps build the businesses that support our families, our communities and our country. We do this by influencing government policy, by providing essential business services and by connecting businesses to information they can use, to opportunities for growth and to a network of local chambers, businesses, decision-makers and peers from across the country, in every sector of the economy and at all levels of government, as well as internationally. We are unapologetic in our support for business and the vital role it plays in building and sustaining our great nation.

For more information, please contact:
Phil Taylor
ptaylor@chamber.ca