Advocacy Updates
The latest on our advocacy efforts.
Read the highlights of CICC’s ongoing advocacy efforts across Canada for the month of March.
Last updated May 20, 2026.
Federal Updates
CICC and CEMA remain engaged with Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) Wayne Long’s office on these issues, with discussions also taking place with Finance Minister Champagne’s office and the PMO.
Additional information outlining retailer costs and impacts was provided to Long’s office following requests for further detail.
We continue to closely monitor federal activity related to nicotine pouches. Health Minister Michel has made several public comments emphasizing that youth protection remains her top priority with respect to these products and how they are sold.
CICC is awaiting the results of the KPMG illicit pouch market analysis and the EY report to seek a meeting with the Minister to present updated stats.
CICC has an upcoming piece with the Hill Times focused on linking the new initiatives around the Financial Crimes Agency, to contraband and the illicit market.
Following the new measures announced in the Spring Economic Update, regarding the creation of the new Financial Crimes Agency, CICC is actively pursuing engagement opportunities with officials involved in establishing the office.
We have identified key bureaucratic staff and are seeking meetings to better understand the agency’s mandate and enforcement priorities. Our objective is to ensure CICC’s priorities and concerns are understood early as the agency is developed.
We worked to prepare the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2026 Budget.
The submission focused on:
- Combatting the contraband nicotine crisis and strengthening border security
- Integrate the disruption contraband tobacco and illicit nicotine trade into the proposed National Anti-Fraud Strategy’s multi-sector framework
- Resolve the excise fuel tax issue owed to retailers
- Remove the interchange fees from the tax portion of sales
- Eliminate interprovincial trade barriers for alcohol and tobacco.
Read the submission here.
We submitted a response for the consultation on the National Anti-Fraud Strategy to ensure the illicit nicotine trade was reflected within the broader anti-fraud and organized crime discussion.
Our submission emphasized that the Strategy presents an opportunity to significantly disrupt contraband nicotine networks through stronger enforcement coordination, restrictions on digital advertising and payment processing for illegal operators, and enhanced tools and resources for law enforcement.
Read the submission here.
Atlantic Updates
While in PEI recently, Mike met informally with beverage alcohol producers and government officials to explore whether there is a viable path for more retailers to list beer and RTDs on their shelves.
As in Nova Scotia, it appears that most PEI residents recognize the benefits of broadening adult retail access to beverage alcohol. CICC is planning consultations with industry associations and other stakeholder engagement, and public opinion polling to ensure the concept advances in the right direction.
In Nova Scotia, CICC is examining potential discussions with officials on what an alternative model for agency store expansion could look like, one that benefits stakeholders while minimizing disruption to the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. Further updates are expected in the coming weeks.
In New Brunswick, another regulated retail gas margin hearing has been scheduled. CICC expects to lead an industry submission and presentation in collaboration with CEMA and local independent gas retailers. The hearing is set for August 10 to 12.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Minister of Finance is arranging a meeting with CICC retailers for late June or early July. Improved beer margins and action on contraband tobacco are expected to be key topics.
Quebec Updates
CICC and members of Québec’s Advisory Committee have participated in 2 all day round tables meetings in Montréal (4 May) and Quebec City (15 May). Topics covered all aspects of alcohol regulations along with the participation of representatives of the supply chain from distillers to retailers. A large contingent of regulatory bodies, ministries and cabinet representatives was present.
CICC has submitted a brief, highlighting our major concerns:
Priority Issues for Convenience Stores
- Criteria for obtaining and maintaining a grocery permit
- Opening hours and sales conditions
- The range of alcoholic beverages available to grocery permit holders
- Issues related to products distributed through the SAQ network
- The issue of ready-to-drink beverages.
RTDs
Recent or planned reforms in this category can have significant effects on the commercial viability of convenience stores. It is crucial to prevent a currently profitable category (RTDs with malt-based alcohol) from being gradually cannibalized by a new offering (RTDs with distilled alcohol) that is less advantageous financially for retailers, less clear for consumers, or less coherent from a regulatory standpoint.
This issue warrants careful analysis, as it directly impacts the profitability of local businesses and the balance between different retail channels. We have learned from the SAQ that RTDs with distilled alcohol may be introduced as early as December 2026.
Ontario Updates
We are keeping in regular contact with senior LCBO leadership, including the interim CEO. Our goal is to ensure they understand and expedite a resolution of the ongoing difficulties our sector faces with the new Future State Modernization (FSM) system. This remains a top priority for CICC, and we are working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.
We are continuing our discussions with the government regarding the beverage alcohol retail market. We want to ensure that upcoming distribution changes do not cause unforeseen problems for our members, and we are asking for relief from burdensome rules, such as specific shelf space requirements.
CICC is continuing to meet with Ontario government officials to discuss illicit tobacco. We are asking the province to take further steps to address the growth of the contraband market.
Following Alberta’s Minister of Red Tape’s letter to the federal Health Minister, CICC is urging the Ontario government to join the other provinces in bringing nicotine pouches back into our stores as an alternative to cigarettes.
Western Canada Updates
The political environment in BC remains volatile as the BC Conservative Leadership race tightens up. CICC has submitted a survey to each of the main contenders on our main industry issues: contraband tobacco, nicotine pouches, beverage alcohol sales and retail safety concerns.
The leadership vote is May 31. Sara is scheduled to appear before BC’s Finance Committee on June 15 in Kelowna to present CICC’s 2027 budget recommendations
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