Advocacy Updates
The latest on our advocacy efforts.
Read the highlights of CICC’s ongoing advocacy efforts across Canada for the month of July.
Last updated July 21, 2026.
Federal Updates
CICC met with the Financial Crimes Agency on June 24. We committed to sharing the results of the CICC-commissioned KPMG Illicit Pouch Market Analysis and the EY Report, for further engagement. We will also request a meeting with the Minister of Finance once the reports arecomplete, to present updated stats. title for this
“We Are…” is a new awareness initiative to promote the convenience industry and highlight how convenience stores are among the most visible and relied-upon parts of everyday life in Canada. Launching next month during Convenience Week at the end of August, the campaign will include a social media campaign and a dedicated website where campaign tools will be available for download.
To coincide with the campaign, we are giving Convenience Week a new identity this year, with updated brand materials to highlight the important work of the sector. We will be promoting the week on social media to increase engagement with members.
- Finance pre-budget submissions are due by September 8. We are preparing CICC’s response, which will include the carbon and excise tax rebates, relief from credit card interchange fees, request to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers for alcohol and tobacco, and request to address the contraband nicotine crisis and strengthen border security.
Atlantic Updates
In early July, the Nova Scotia Government announced it will permit craft brewers to expand their retail offering by adding secondary sites and the ability to cross merchandise with other craft breweries. CICC was given advance notice of this directive and will be pursuing increased opportunities for the convenience channel.
CICC completed its review and submitted for comments the draft CICC/CEMA evidence submission for the upcoming New Brunswick retail margin review. Working closely with CEMA and New Brunswick retailers, CICC provided up-to-date and accurate costing data to support the submission.
A meeting with new Finance Minister Craig Pardy is scheduled for August 13 at 2:00 p.m. in St. John’s. Members wishing to advance issues or attend should reach out to Mike Hammoud at [email protected].
The agenda will include key priorities such as contraband tobacco and improved beer margins.
Quebec Updates
Since the Québec government announced the QST zero-rating of certain food and hygiene products, which came into effect on July 15, CICC has been actively advocating for changes to address the unintended consequences this measure creates for convenience stores.
Under the current tax rules, many convenience stores are unable to offer this tax relief to their customers, unlike other food retailers. CICC has already made representations to the Québec Department of Finance and is now continuing its efforts with the Premier’s Office to secure a corrective solution.
At the same time, we are closely monitoring the implementation of the measure across the province, documenting its impact on our industry, and preparing our public communications to ensure the convenience store sector’s interests are effectively represented should the issue gain broader public attention.
We will continue to keep our members informed of any significant developments in this file.
Ontario Updates
We continue to ask the Government of Ontario to intervene to address operational and supply chain constraints within the new LCBO distribution framework. Our advocacy has focused on creating a level playing field and ensuring that the new convenience distribution program does not disadvantage our sector.
Leveraging the momentum of recent high-profile law enforcement busts on illicit contraband networks to spotlight the systemic threat illegal trade poses to public safety and small business survival.
We are using these enforcement milestones as clear, empirical proof that illegal operators undermine legitimate, responsible retailers who strictly adhere to tax regulations and age-gate compliance.
A targeted ministerial push with the Minister of Finance and the Solicitor General to press for a more aggressive financial and regulatory framework to combat contraband tobacco. We continue to highlight that the contraband trade has cost the province billions in lost tax revenue, and that dedicated law enforcement funding and coordinated enforcement strategies are needed.
Western Canada Updates
CICC’s VP for Western Canada, Sara MacIntyre, dusted off her cowboy boots and hat for another year of Stampede Events.
It was the first year the AGLC hosted a reception, and Sara had the chance to speak with AGLC Board Chair Larry Spagnolo and Minister Dale Nally about our industry’s top issues: contraband tobacco/pouches and beverage alcohol sales.
The dialogue continued at the Wellington Advocacy event, where Sara was able to meet the new Alberta Finance Minister Jason Dixon, BC Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay as well as BC Conservative House Leader Sheldon Clare.
The political climate in BC was a hot topic amongst attendees this year as many expect to see an early provincial election, and rumours were abound that Premier David Eby stepping down in the next few weeks. It looks like CICC will be very busy this fall session, hopefully with some progress on some of our most important issues!
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